[02-021] HYMN XXI.
1. To him the Lord of all, the Lord of wealth, of light; him who is Lord for ever, Lord of men and tilth, Him who is Lord of horses, Lord of kine,of floods, to Indra, to the Holy bring sweet Soma juice.
2 To him the potent One, who conquers and breaks down, the Victor never vanquished who disposes all,
The migbty-voiced, the rider, unassailable, to Indra everconquering speak your reverent prayer.
3 Still Victor, loved by mortals, ruler over men, o’erthrower, warrior, he hath waxen as he would; Host-gatherer, triumphant, honoured mid the folk. Indra’s heroic deeds will I tell forth to all.
4 The strong who never yields, who slew the furious fiend, the deep, the vast, of wisdom unattainable;
Who speeds the good, the breaker-down, the firm, the vast,-Indra whose rites bring joy hath made the light of Dawn.
5 By sacrifice the yearning sages sending forth their songs found furtherance from him who speeds the flood.
In Indra seeking help with worship and with hymn, they drew him to themselves and won them kine and wealth.
6 Indra, bestow on us the best of treasures, the spirit of ability and fortune;
Increase of riches, safety of our bodies, charm of sweet speech, and days of pleasant weather.
[02-022] HYMN XXII. Indra.
I. At the Trikadrukas the Great and Strong hath drunk drink blent with meal. With Visnu hath he quaffed the poured out Soma juice, all that he would.
That hath so heightened him the Great, the Wide, to do his mighty work. So may the God attain the God, true Indu Indra who is true.
2 So he resplendent in the battle overcame Krivi by might. He with his majesty hath filled the earth and heaven, and waxen strong.
One share of the libation hath he swallowed down: one share he left. So may the God attend the God, true Indu Indra who is true.
3 Brought forth together with wisdom and mighty power thou grewest great; with hero deeds subduing the malevolent, most swift in act;
Giving prosperity, and lovely wealth to him who praiseth thee. So may the God attend the God, true
Indu Indra who is true.
4 This, Indra, was thy hero deed, Dancer, thy first and ancient work, worthy to be told forth in heaven,
What time thou sentest down life with a God’s own power, freeing the floods.
All that is godless may he conquer with his might, and, Lord of Hundred Powers, find for us strength and food.
[02-023] HYMN XXIII. Brahmanaspati.
1. WE call thee, Lord and Leader of the heavenly hosts, the wise among the wise, the famousest of all,
The King supreme of prayers, O Brahmanaspati: hear us with help; sit down in place of sacrifice.
2 Brhaspati, God immortal! verily the Gods have gained from thee, the wise, a share in holy rites.
As with great light the Sun brings forth the rays of morn, so thou alone art Father of all sacred prayer.
3 When thou hast chased away revilers and the gloom, thou mountest the refulgent car of sacrifice; The awful car, Brhaspati, that quells the foe, slays demons, cleaves the stall of kine, and finds the
light.
4 Thou leadest with good guidance and preservest men; distress o’ertakes not him who offers gifts to thee.
Him who hates prayer thou punishest, Brhaspati, quelling his wrath: herein is thy great mightiness.
5 No sorrow, no distress from any side, no foes, no creatures double-tongued have overcome the man,-
Thou drivest all seductive fiends away from him whom, careful guard, thou keepest Brahmanaspati.
6 Thou art our keeper, wise, preparer of our paths: we, for thy service, sing to thee with hymns of praise.
Brhaspati, whoever lays a snare for us, him may his evil fate, precipitate, destroy.
7 Him, too, who threatens us without offence of ours, the evilminded, arrogant, rapacious man,- Him turn thou from our path away, Brhaspati: give us fair access to this banquet of the Gods.
8 Thee as protector of our bodies we invoke, thee, saviour, as the comforter who loveth us. Strike, O Brhaspati, the Gods’ revilers down, and let not the unrighteous come to highest bliss.
9 Through thee, kind -prosperer, O Brahmanaspati, may we obtain the wealth of Men which all desire:
And all our enemies, who near or far away prevail against us, crush, and leave them destitute.
10 With thee as our own rich and liberal ally may we, Brhaspati, gain highest power of life.
Let not the guileful wicked man be lord of us:-still may we prosper, singing goodly hymns of praise.
11 Strong, never yielding, hastening to the battle-cry, consumer of the foe, victorious in the strife, Thou art sin’s true avenger, Brahmanaspati, who tamest e’en the fierce, the wildly passionate.
12 Whoso with mind ungodly seeks to do us harm, who, deeming him a man of might mid lords, would slay,-
Let not his deadly blow reach us, Brhaspati; may we humiliate the strong ill-doer’s wrath.
13 The mover mid the spoil, the winner of all wealth, to be invoked in fight and reverently adored, Brhaspati hath overthrown like cars of war all wicked enemies who fain would injure us.
14 Burn up the demons with thy fiercest flaming brand, those who have scorned thee in thy manifested might.
Show forth that power that shall deserve the hymn of praise: destroy the evil speakers, O Brhaspati.
15 Brhaspati, that which the foe deserves not which shines among the folk effectual, splendid, That, Son of Law I which is with might refulgent-that treasure wonderful bestow thou on us.
16 Give us not up to those who, foes in ambuscade, are greedy for the wealth of him who sits at ease, Who cherish in their heart abandonment of Gods. Brhaspati, no further rest shall they obtain.
17 For Tvastar, he who knows each sacred song, brought thee to life, preeminent o’er all the things that be.
Guilt-scourger, guilt-avenger is Brhaspati, who slays the spoiler and upholds the mighty Law.
18 The mountain, for thy glory, cleft itself apart when, Angiras! thou openedst the stall of kine.
Thoul O Brhaspati, with Indra for ally didst hurl down water-floods which gloom had compa-sed round.
19 O Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn and prosper thou our children.
All that the Gods regard with love is blessed. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
[02-024] HYMN XXIV. Brahmanaspati.
1. BE pleased with this our offering, thou who art the Lord; we will adore thee with this new and mighty song.
As this thy friend, our liberal patron, praises thee, do thou, Brhaspati, fulfil our hearts’ desire.
2 He who with might bowed down the things that should be bowed, and in his fury rent the holds of
Sambara:
Who overthrew what shook not, Brahmapaspati,-he made his way within the mountain stored with wealth.
3 That was a great deed for the Godliest of the Gods: strong things were loosened and the firmly fixed gave way.
He drave the kine forth and cleft Vala through by prayer, dispelled the darkness and displayed the light of heaven.
4 The well with mouth of stone that poured a flood of meath, which Brahmapaspati hath opened with his might-
All they who see the light have drunk their fill thereat: together they have made the watery fount flow forth.
5 Ancient will be those creatures, whatsoe’er they be; with moons, with autumns, doors unclose themselves to you.
Effortless they pass on to perfect this and that, appointed works which Brahmanaspati ordained.
6 They who with much endeavour searching round obtained the Panis’ noblest treasure hidden in the cave,-
Those sages, having marked the falsehoods, turned them back whence they had come, and sought again to enter in.
7 The pious ones when they had seen the falsehoods turned them back, the sages stood again upon the lofty ways.
Cast down with both their arms upon the rock they left the kindled fire, and said, No enemy is he.
8 With his swift bow, strung truly, Brahmanaspati reaches the mark whate’er it be that he desires. Excellent are the arrows wherewithal he shoots, keen-eyed to look on men and springing from his
ear.
9 He brings together and he parts, the great High Priest; extolled is he, in battle Brahmapaspati. When, gracious, for the hymn he brings forth food and wealth, the glowing Sun untroubled sends
forth fervent heat.
10 First and preeminent, excelling all besides are the kind gifts of liberal Brhaspati.
These are the boons of him the Strong who should be loved, whereby both classes and the people have delight.
11 Thou who in every way supreme in earthly power, rejoicing, by thy mighty strength hast waxen great,-
He is the God spread forth in breadth against the Gods: he, Brahmanaspati, encompasseth this All.
12 From you, twain Maghavans, all truth proceedeth: even the waters break not your commandment. Come to us, Brahmanaspati and Indra, to our oblation Iiie yoked steeds to fodder.
13 The sacrificial flames most swiftly hear the call: the priest of the assembly gaineth wealth for hymns.
Hating the stern, remitting at his will the debt, strong in the shock of fight is Brahmanaspati.
14 The wrath of Brahmanaspati according to his will had full effect when he would do a mighty deed. The kine he drave forth and distributed to heaven, even as a copious flood with strength flows
sundry ways.
15 O Brahmanaspati, may we be evermore masters of wealth well-guided, full of vital strength. Heroes on heroes send abundantly to us, when thou omnipotent through prayer seekest my call.
16 O Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn, and prosper thou our children.
All that the Gods regard with love is blessed. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
[02-025] HYMN XXV. Brahmanaspati.
1. HE lighting up the flame shall conquer enemies: strong shall he be who offers prayer and brings his gift.
He with his seed spreads forth beyond another’s seed, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.
2 With heroes he shall overcome his hero foes, and spread his wealth by kine wise by himself is be. His children and his children’s children
grow in strength, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.
3 He, mighty like a raving river’s billowy flood, as a bull conquers oxen, overcomes with strength. Like Agni’s blazing rush he may not be restrained, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.
4 For him the floods of heaven flow never failing down: first with the heroes he goes forth to war for kine.
He slays in unabated vigour with great might, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.
5 All roaring rivers pour their waters down for him, and many a flawless shelter hath been granted him.
Blest with the happiness of Gods he prospers well, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.
[02-026] HYMN XXVI. Brahmanaspati.
1. THE righteous singer shall o’ercome his enemies, and he who serves the Gods subdue the godless man.
The zealous man shall vanquish the invincible, the worshipper share the food of him who worships not.
2 Worship, thou hero, chase the arrogant afar: put on auspicious courage for the fight with foes. Prepare oblation so that thou mayst have success. we crave the favouring help of Brahmanaspati.
3 He with his folk, his house, his family, his sons, gains booty for himself, and, with the heroes, wealth,believing
Who with oblation and a true heart serves Brahmanaspati the Father of the Gods.
4 Whoso hath honoured him with offerings rich in oil, him Brahmanaspati leads forward on his way, Saves him from sorrow, frees him from his enemy, and is his wonderful deliverer from woe.
[02-027] HYMN XXVII. Adityas.
1. THESE hymns that drop down fatness, with the ladle I ever offer tothe Kings Adityas. May Mitra, Aryanian, and Bhaga hear us, the mighty Varuna Daksa, and Amsa.
2 With one accord may Aryaman and Mitra and Varuna this day accept this praise-song-
Adityas bright and pure as streams of water, free from all guile and falsehood, blameless, perfect.
3 These Gods, Adityas, vast, profound, and faithful, with many eyes, fain to deceive the wicked, Looking within behold the good and evil near to the Kings is even the thing most distant.
4 Upholding that which moves and that which moves not, Adityas, Gods, protectors of all being, Provident, guarding well the world of spirits, true to eternal Law, the debt-exactors.
5 May I, Adityas, share m this your favour which, Aryaman, brings profit e’en in danger. Under your guidance, Varuna and Mitra, round troubles may I pass, like rugged places.
6 Smooth is your path, O Aryaman and Mitra; excellent is it, Varuna, and thornless. Thereon, Adityas, send us down your blessing: grant us a shelter hard to be demolished.
7 Mother of Kings, may Aditi transport us, by fair paths Aryaman, beyond all hatred. May we uninjured, girt by many heroes, win Varuna’s and Mitra’s high protection.
8 With their support they stay three earths, three heavens; three are their functions in the Gods’ assembly.
Mighty through Law, Adityas, is your greatness; fair is it, Aryaman, Varuna, and Mitra.
9 Golden and splendid, pure like streams of water, they hold aloft the three bright heavenly regions. Ne’er do they slumber, never close their eyelids, faithful, far-ruling for the righteous mortal.
10 Thou over all, O Varuna, art Sovran, be they Gods, Asura! or be they mortals.
Grant unto us to see a hundred autumns ours be the blest long lives of our forefathers.
11 Neither the right nor left do I distinguish, neither the cast nor yet the west, Adityas. Simple and guided by your wisdom, Vasus!
may I attain the light that brings no danger.
12 He who bears gifts unto the Kings, true Leaders, he whom their everlasting blessings prosper, Moves with his chariot first in rank and wealthy, munificent and lauded in assemblies.
13 Pure, faithful, very strong, with heroes round him, he dwells beside the waters rich with pasture. None slays, from near at hand or from a distance, him who is under the Adityas’ guidance.
14 Aditi, Mitra, Varuna, forgive us however we have erred and sinned against you. May I obtain the broad light free from peril: O Indra, let not during darkness seize us.
15 For him the Twain united pour their fulness, the rain from heaven: he thrives most highly favoured.
He goes to war mastering both the mansions: to him both portions of the world are gracious.
16 Your guiles, ye Holy Ones, to quell oppressors, your snares spread out against the foe, Adityas, May I car-borne pass like a skilful horseman: uninjured may we dwell in spacious shelter.
17 May1 not live, O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal, dear friend’s destitution.
King, may1 never lack well-ordered riches. Lond may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
[02-028] HYMN XXVIII. Varuna
1. THIS laud of the self-radiant wise Aditya shall be supreme o’er all that is in greatness.
1 beg renown of Varuna the Mighty, the God exceeding kind to him who worships.
2, Having extolled thee. Varuna, with thoughtful care may we have high fortune in thy service, Sinffing thy praises like the fires at coming, day after day, of mornings rich in cattle.
3 May we be in thy keeping, O thou Leader wide-ruling Varuna, Lord of many heroes. O sons of Aditi, for ever faithful, pardon us, Gods, admit us to your friendship.
4 He made them flow, the Aditya, the Sustainer: the rivers run by Varuna’s commandment.
These feel no weariness, nor cease from flowing: swift have they flown like birds in air around us.
5 Loose me from sin as from a bond that binds me: may we swell, Varuna, thy spring of Order.
Let not my thread, while I weave song, be severed, nor my work’s sum, before the time, be shattered.
6 Far from me, Varuna, remove all danger accept me graciously, thou Holy Sovran.
Cast off, like cords that hold a calf, my troubles: I am not even mine eyelid’s lord without thee.
7 Strike us not, Varuna, with those dread weapons which, Asura, at thy bidding wound the sinner. Let us not pass away from light to exile. Scatter, that we may live, the men who hate us
8 O mighty Varuna, now and hereafter, even as of old, will we speak forth our worship. For in thyself, invincible God, thy statutes ne’er to be moved are fixed as on a mountain.
9 Move far from me what sins I have committed: let me not suffer, King, for guilt of others. Full many a morn remains to dawn upon us: in these, O Varuna, while we live direct us.
10 O King, whoever, be he friend or kinsman, hath threatened me affrighted in my slumber- If any wolf or robber fain would harm us, therefrom, O Varuna, give thou us protection.
11May I not live O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal dear friend’s destitution.
King, may I never lack well-ordered riches. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
[02-029] HYMN XXIX. Visvedevas.
I. UPHOLDERS of the Law, ye strong Adityas, remove my sin like her who bears in secret. You, Varuna, Mitra and all Gods who listen, I call to help me, I who know your goodness.
2 Ye, Gods, are providence and ye are power: remove ye utterly all those who hate us. As givers of good things deal with us kindly: this day be gracious to us and hereafter.
3 What service may we do you with our future, what service, Vasus, with our ancient friendship? O Aditi, and VaruVa and Mitra, Indra and Maruts, make us well and happy.
4 Ye, O ye Gods, are verily our kinsmen as such be kind to me who now implore you.
Let not your car come slowly to our worship: of kinsmen such as you ne’er let us weary.
5 I singly have sinned many a sin against you, and ye chastised me as a sire the gambler. Far be your nets, far, Gods, be mine offences: seize me not like a bird upon her offspring.
6 Turn yourselves hitherward this day, ye Holy, that fearing in my heart I may approach you. Protect us, God; let not the wolf destroy us. Save us, ye Holy, from the pit and falling.
7 May I not live, O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal, dear friend’s destitution.
King, may I never lack well-ordered riches. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
[02-030] HYMN XXX. Indra and Others.
1. THE streams unceasing flow to Indra, slayer of Ahi, Savitar, God, Law’s fulfiller,
Day after day goes on the sheen of waters. What time hath past since they were first set flowing?
2 His Mother-for she knew-spake and proclaimed him who was about to cast his bolt at Vrtra. Cutting their paths according to his pleasure day after day flow to their goal the rivers.
3 Aloft he stood above the airy region, and against Vrtra shot his deadly missile.
Enveloped in a cloud he rushed upon him. Indra subdued the foe with sharpened weapons.
4 As with a bolt, Brhaspati, fiercely flaming, pierce thou Vrkadvaras’, the Asura’s, heroes. Even as in time of old with might thou slewest, so slay even now our enemy, O Indra.
5 Cast down from heaven on high thy bolt of thunder wherewith in joy thou smitest dead the foeman. For gain of children make us thine, O Indra, of many children’s children and of cattle.
6 Whomso ye love, his power ye aid and strengthen; ye Twain are the rich worshipper’s advancers. Graciously favour us, Indra and Soma; give us firm standing in this time of danger.
7 Let it not vex me, tire me, make me slothful, and never let us say, Press not the Soma;
For him who cares for me, gives gifts, supports me, who comes with kine to me who pour libations.
8 Sarasvati, protect us: with the Maruts allied thou boldly conquerest our foemen, While Indra does to death the daring chieftain of Sandikas exulting in his prowess.
9 Him who waylays, yea, him who would destroy us,-aim at him, pierce him with thy sharpened weapon.
Brhaspati, with arms thou slayest foemen O King, give up the spoiler to destruction.
10 Perform, O Hero, with our valiant heroes the deeds heroic which thou hast to finish.
Long have they been inflated with presumption: slay them, and bring us hither their possessions.
11 I craving joy address with hymn and homage your heavenly host, the company of Maruts, That we may gain wealth with full store of heroes, each day more famous, and with troops of
children.
[02-031] HYMN XXXI. Visvedevas.
1. HELP, Varuna and Mitra, O ye Twain allied with Vasus, Rudras, and Adityas, help our car,
That, as the wild birds of the forest from their home, our horses may fly forth, glad, eager for renown.
2 Yea, now ye Gods of one accord speed on our car what time among the folk it seeks an act of might; When, hasting through the region with the stamp of hoofs, our swift steeds trample on the ridges of
the earth.
3 Or may our Indra here, the Friend of all mankind, coming from heaven, most.wise, girt by the Marut host,
Accompany, with aid untroubled by a foe, our car to mighty gain, to win the meed of strength.
4 Or may this Tvastar, God who rules the world with power, one-minded with the Goddesses speed forth our car;
Ila and Bhaga the celestial, Earth and Heaven, Pusan, Purandhi, and the Asvins, ruling Lords.
5 Or, seen alternate, those two blessed Goddesses, Morning and Night who stir all living things to act:
While with my newest song I praise you both, O Earth, that from what moves not ye may spread forth threefold food.
6 Your blessing as a boon for suppliants we desire: the Dragon of the Deep, and Aja-Ekapad, Trita, Rbhuksan, Savitar shall joy in us, and ihe Floods’ swift Child in our worship and our prayer.
7 These earnest prayers I pray to you, ye Holy: to pay you honour, living men have formed them, Men fain to win the prize and glory. May they win, as a car-horse might the goal, your notice.
[02-032] HYMN XXXII. Various Deities.
1. GRACIOUSLY further, O ye Heaven and Earth, this speech striving to win reward, of me your worshipper.
First rank I give to you, Immortal, high extolled! I, fain to win me wealth, to you the migbty Pair.
2 Let not man’s guile annoy us, secret or by day: give not us up a prey to these calamities.
Sever not thou our friendship: think thereon for us. This, with a heart that longs for bliss, we seek from thee.
3 Bring hither with benignant mind the willing Cow teeming with plenteous milk, full, inexhaustible. O thou invoked by many, day by day I urge thee with my word, a charger rapid in his tread.
4 With eulogy I call on Raka swift to hear may she, auspicious, hear us, and herself observe. With never-breaking needle may she sew her work, and give a hero son most wealthy, meet for
praise.
5 All thy kind thoughts, O Raka, lovely in their form, wherewith thou grantest wealth to him who offers gifts-
With these come thou to us this day benevolent, O Blessed One, bestowing food of thousand sorts.
6 O broad-tressed Sinivali, thou who art the Sister of the Gods, Accept the offered sacrifice, and, Goddess, grant us progeny.
7 With lovely fingers, lovely arms, prolific Mother of many sons- Present the sacred gifts to her, to Sinlivali Queen of men.
8 Her, Sinivali, her, Gungu, her, Raka, her, Sarasvati, Indrani to mine aid I call, and Vartunani for my weal.
[02-033] HYMN XXXIII. Rudra.
1. FATHER of Maruts, let thy bliss approach us: exclude us not from looking on the sunlight. Gracious to our fleet courser be the Hero may we transplant us, Rudra, in our children.
2 With the most saving medicines which thou givest, Rudra, may I attain a hundred winters. Far from us banish enmity and hatred, and to all quarters maladies and trouble.
3 Chief of all born art thou in glory, Rudra, armed with the thunder, mightiest of the mighty. Transport us over trouble to well-being repel thou from us all assaults of mis. chief.
4 Let us not anger thee with worship, Rudra, ill praise, Strong God! or mingled invocation.
Do thou with strengthening balms incite our heroes: I hear thee famed as best of all physicians.
5 May I with praise-songs win that Rudra’s favour who is adored with gifts and invocations. Ne’er may the tawny God, fair-checked, and gracious, swifthearing, yield us to this evil purpose.
6 The Strong, begirt by Maruts, hath refreshed me, with most invigorating food, imploring. As he who finds a shade in fervent sunlight may I, uninjured, win the bliss of Rudra.
7 Where is that gracious hand of thine, O Rudra, the hand that giveth health and bringeth comfort, Remover of the woe that Gods have sent us? O Strong One, look thou on me with compassion.
8 To him the strong, great, tawny, fair-complexioned, I utter forth a mighty hymn of praises. We serve the brilliant God with adorations, we glorify, the splendid name of Rudra.
9 With firm limbs, multiform, the strong, the tawny adorns himself with bright gold decorations: The strength of Godhead ne’er departs from Rudra, him who is Sovran of this world, the mighty.
10 Worthy, thou carriest thy bow and arrows, worthy, thy manyhued and honoured necklace. Worthy, thou cuttest here each fiend to pieces: a mightier than thou there is not, Rudra.
11 Praise him the chariot-borne, the young, the famous, fierce, slaying like a dread beast of the forest. O Rudra, praised, be gracious to the singer. let thy hosts spare us and smite down another.
12 I bend to thee as thou approachest, Rudra, even as a boy before the sire who greets him. I praise thee Bounteous Giver, Lord of heroes: give medicines to us as thou art lauded.
13 Of your pure medicines, O potent Martits, those that are wholesomest and healthbestowing,
Those which our father Manu hath selected, I crave from. Rudra for our gain and welfare.
14 May Rudra’s missile turn aside and spare us, the great wrath of the impetuous One avoid us. Turn, Bounteous God, thy strong bow from our princes, and be thou gracious to our seed and
offspring.
15 O tawny Bull, thus showing forth thy nature, as neither to be wroth, O God, nor slay us. Here, Rudra, listen to our invocation. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
[02-034] HYMN XXXIV. Maruts
1. THE Maruts of resistless might who love the rain, resplendent, terrible like wild beasts in their strength,
Glowing like flames of fire, impetuous in career, blowing the wandering raincloud, have disclosed the kine.
2 They gleam with armlets as the heavens are decked with stars, like cloud-born lightnings shine the torrents of their rain.
Since the strong Rudra, O Maruts with brilliant chests, sprang into life for you in Prsni’s radiant lap.
3 They drip like horses in the racings of swift steeds; with the stream’s rapid cars they hasten on their way.
Maruts with helms of gold, ye who make all things shake, con e with your spotted deer, one-minded, to our food.
4 They have bestowed of Mitra all that live, to feed, they who for evermore cause their swift drops to flow;
Whose steeds are spotted deer, whose riches never fail, like horses in full speed, bound to the pole in work.
5 With brightly-flarning kine whose udders swell with milk, idth glittering lances on your unobstructed paths,
O Maruts, of one mind, like swans who seek their nests, come to the rapturous enjoyment of the meath.
6 To these our prayers, O Maruts, come unanimous, come ye to our libations like the praise of men. Make it swell like a mare, in udder like a cow, and for the singer grace the song with plenteous
strength.
7 Give us a steed, O Maruts migbty in the car; prevailing prayer that brings remembrance day by day; Food to your praisers, to your bard in deeds of might give winning wisdom, power uninjured,
unsurpassed.
8 When the bright-chested Maruts, lavish of their gifts, bind at the time bliss their horses to the cars, Then, as the milch-cow feeds her calf within the stalls, they pour forth food for all oblation-bringing
men.
9 Save us, O Maruts, Vasus, from the injurer, the mortal foe who makes us looked upon as wolves. With chariot all aflame compass him round about: O Rudras, cast away the foeman’s deadly bolt.
10 Well-known, ye Maruts, is that wondrous course of yours, when they milked Prsni’s udder, close akin to her.
Or when to shame the bard who lauded, Rudra’s Sons, ye O infallible brought Trita to decay.
11 We call youi such, great Maruts, following wonted ways, to the oblation paid to Visnu Speeder-on. With ladles lifted up, with prayer, we seek of them preeminent, golden-hued, the wealth which all
extol.
12 They, the Dasagvas, first of all brought sacrifice: they at the break of mornings shall inspirit us. Dawn with her purple beams uncovereth the nights, with great light glowing like a billowy sea of
milk.
13 The Rudras have rejoiced thern in the gathered bands at seats of worship as in purple ornaments. They with impetuous vigour sending down the rain have taken to themselves a bright and lovely hue.
14 Soliciting their high protection for our help, with this our adoration we sing praise to them, Whom, for assistance, like the five terrestrial priests. Trita hath brought to aid us hither on his car.
15 So may your favouring help be turned to us-ward, your kindness like a Iowing cow approach us,
Wherewith ye bear your servant over trouble, and free your worshipper from scoff and scorning.
[02-035] HYMN XXXV. Son of Waters.
1. EAGER for spoil my flow of speech I utter: may the Floods’ Child accept my songs with favour. Will not the rapid Son of Waters make them lovely, for he it is who shall enjoy them?
2 To him let us address the song well-fashioned, forth from the heart. Shall he not understand it’ The friendly Son of Waters by the greatness of Godhead hath produced all things existing.
3 Some floods unite themselves and others join them: die sounding rivers fill one common storehouse. On every side the bright Floods have encompassed the bright resplendent Offspring of the Waters.
4 The never-sullen waters, youthful Maidens, carefully decking, wait on him the youthful.
He with bright rays shines forth in splendid beauty, unfed with wood. in waters, oil-enveloped.
5 To him three Dames are oftering food to feed him, Goddesses to the God whom none may injure. Within the waters hath he pressed, as hollows, and drinks their milk who now are first made
mothers.
6 Here was the horse’s birth; his was the sunlight. Save thou our princes from the oppressor’s onslaught.
Him, indestructible, dwelling at a distance in forts unwrought lies and ill spirits reach not.
7 He, in whose mansion is the teeming Milch-cow, swells the Gods’ nectar and cats noble viands. lle Son of Waters, gathering strength in waters, shines for his worshipper to give him treasures.
8 He who in waters with his own pure Godhead shines widely, law-abiding, everlasting- The other worlds are verily his branches, and plants are born of him with all their offspring.
9 The Waters’ Son hath risen, and clothed in lightning ascended up unto the curled cloud’s bosom; And bearing with them his supremest glory the Youthful Ones, gold-coloured, move around him.
10 Golden in form is he, like gold to look on, his colour is like gold, the Son of Waters.
When he is seated fresh from golden birthplace those who present their gold give food to feed him.
11 This the fair name and this the lovely aspect of him the Waters’ Son increase in secret. Whom here the youthful Maids together kindle, his food is sacred oil of golden colour.
12 Him, nearest Friend of many, will we worship with sacrifice. and reverence and oblation. I make his back to shine, with chips provide him; t offer food and with my songs exalt him.
13 The Bull hath laid his own life-germ Within them. He sucks them as an infant, and they kiss him. He, Son of Waters, of unfading colour, hadi entered here as in another’s body.
14 While here he dwelleth in sublimest station, resplendent with the rays that never perish, The Waters, bearing oil to feed their ofispring, flow, Youthful Ones, in wanderings about him.
15 Agni, I gave good shelter to the people, and to the princes goodly preparation.
Blessed is all that Gods regard with favour. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
[02-036] HYMN XXXVI Various Gods.
1. WATER and milk hath he endued, sent forth to thee: the men have drained him with the filters and the stones.
Drink, Indra, from the Hotar’s bowlfirst right is thine-Soma hallowed and poured with Vasat and
Svaha.
2 Busied with sacrifice, with spotted deer and spears, gleaming upon your way with ornaments, yea, our Friends,
Sitting on sacred grass, ye Sons of Bharata, drink Soma from the Potar’s bowl, O Men of heaven.
3 Come unto us, ye swift to listen: as at home upon the sacred grass sit and enjoy yourselves. And, Tvastar, well-content be joyful in the juice with Gods and Goddesses in gladsome company.
4 Bring the Gods hither, Sage, and offer sacrifice: at the three altars seat thee willingly, O Priest. Accept for thy delight the proffered Soma meath: drink from the Kindler’s bowl and fill thee with thy
share.
5 This is the strengthener of thy body’s manly might: strength, victory for all time are placed within thine arms.
Pressed for thee, Maghavan, it is offered unto thee: drink from the chalice of this Brahman, drink thy fill.
6 Accept the sacrifice; mark both of you, my call: the Priest hath seated him after the ancient texts. My prayer that bids them come goes forth to both the Kings: drink ye the Soma meath from the
Director’s bowl.
[02-037] HYMN XXXVII. Various Gods.
1. Enjoy thy fill of meath out of the Hotar’s cup: Adhvaryus he desires a full draught poured for him. Bring it him: seeking this he gives. Granter of Wealth, drink Sorna with the Rtus from the Hotar’s cup.
2 He whom of old I called on, him I call on now. He is to be invoked; his name is He who Gives,
Here brought by priests is Soma meath. Granter of Wealth, drink Soma with the Rtus from the Potar’s cup.
3 Fat may the horses be wherewith thou specdest on: Lord of the Wood, unharming, strengthen thou thyself.
Drawing and seizing, Bold One, thou who grantest wealth, drink Soma with the Rtus from the
Nestar’s cup.
4 From Hotar’s cup and Potar’s he hath drunk and joyed: the proffered food hath pleased him from the Nestar’s bowl.
The fourth cup undisturbed, immortal, let him drink who giveth wealth, the cup of the wealth-giving
God.
5 Yoke, O ye Twain, to-day your hero-bearing car, swift-moving hitherward: your loosing-place is here.
Mix the oblations, then come hither with the meath, and drink the Soma, ye rich in abundant strength.
6 Agni, accept the fuel and our offered gift: accept the prayer of man, accept our eulogy,
Do thou with all, with Rtu, O thou Excellent, fain, make the great Gods all fain taste the gift we bring.
[02-038] HYMN XXXVIII. Savitar.
1. UPRISEN is Savitar, this God, to quicken, Priest who neglects not this most constant duty. To the Gods, verily, he gives rich treasure, and blesses him who calls them to the banquet.
2 Having gone up on high, the God broadhanded spreads his arms widely forth that all may mark him.
Even the waters bend them to his service: even this wind rests in the circling region.
3 Though borne by swift steeds he will yet unyoke them: e’en the fleet chariot hath he stayed from going.
He hath checked e’en their haste who glide like serpents. Night closely followed Savitar’s dominion.
4 What was spread out she weaves afresh, re-weaving: the skilful leaves his labour half-completed. He hath arisen from rest, and parted seasons: Savitar hath approached, God, holy-minded.
5 Tlirough various dwellings, through entire existence, spreads, manifest, the household light of
Agni.
The Mother gives her Son the goodliest portion, and Savitar hath sped to meet his summons.
6 He comes again, unfolded, fain for conquest: at home was he, the love of all things moving. Each man hath come leaving his evil doings, after the Godlike Savitar’s commandment.
7 The wild beasts spread through desert places seeking their watery share which thou hast set in waters.
The woods are given to the birds. These statutes of the God Savitar none disobeyeth.
8 With utmost speed, in restless haste at sunset Varuna seeks his watery habitation.
Then seeks each bird his nest, each beast his lodging. In due place Savitar hath set each creature.
9 Him whose high law not Varuna nor Indra, not Mitra, Aryaman, nor Rudra breaketh, Nor evil-hearted fiends, here for my welfare him I invoke, God Savitar, with worship.
10 May they who strengthen bliss, and thought and wisdom, and the Dames’ Lord and Narasamsa aid us.
That good may come to us and wealth be gathered, may we be Savitar the God’s beloved.
11 So come to us our hearts’ desire, the bounty bestowed by thee, from heaven and earth and waters, That it be well with friends and those who praise thee, and, Savitar, with the loud-lauding singer.
[02-039] HYMN XX Asvins.
1. SING like the two press-stones for this same purpose; come like two misers to the tree of treasure; Like two laud-singing Brahmans in the assembly, like the folk’s envoys called in many places.
2 Moving at morning like two chr-borne heroes, like to a pair of goats ye come electing; Like two fair dames embellishing their bodies, like a wise married pair among the people.
3 Like to a pair of horns come first to usward, like to a pair of hoofs with rapid motion;
Come like two Cakavas in the grey of morning, come like two chariot wheels at dawn, ye Mighty.
4 Bear us across the rivers like two vessels, save us as ye were yokes, naves, spokes and fellies. Be like two dogs that injure not our bodies; preserve us, like two crutches, that we fall not.
5 Like two winds ageing not, two confluent rivers, come with quick vision like two eyes before us. Come like two hands most helpful to the body, and guide us like two feet to what is precious.
6 Even as two lips that with the mouth speak honey, even as two breasts that nourish our existence, Like the two nostrils that protect our being, be to us as our ears that hear distinctly.
7 Like two hands give ye us increasing vigour; like heaven and earth constrain the airy regions. Asvins, these hymns that struggle to approach you, sharpen ye like an axe upon a whetstone.
8 These prayers of ours exalting you, O Asvins, have the GrtSamadas, for a laud, made ready. Welcome them, O ye Heroes, and come bither. Loud may we speak. with brave men, in assembly.
[02-040] HYMN XL. Soma and Pusan.
1 SOMA and Pusan, Parents of all riches, Parents of earth and Parents of high heaven,
You Twain, brought forth as the whole world’s protectors, the Gods have made centre of life eternal.
2 At birth of these two Gods all Gods are joyful: they have caused darkness, which we hate, to vanish.
With these, with Soma and with Pusan, India generates ripe warm milk in the raw milch-cows.
3 Soma and Pusan, urge your chariot hither, the seven-wheeIed car that measures out the region, That stirs not all, that moves to every quarter, fivc-reined and harnessed by the thought, ye Mighty.
4 One in the heaven on high hath made his dwelling, on earth and in the firmament the other.
May they disclose to us great store of treasure, much-longed for, rich in food, source of enjoyment.
5 One of you Twain is Parent of all creatures, the otherjourneys onward all-beholding.
Soma and Pusan, aid my thought with favour: with you may we o’ercome in all encounters.
6 May Pusan stir our thought, the all-impelling, may Soma Lord of riches grant us riches. May Aditi the perfect Goddess aid us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
[02-041] HYMN XLI. Various Deities.
1. O VAYU, come to us with all the thousand chariots that are thine, Team-borne, to drink the Soma juice.
2 Drawn by thy team, O Vayu, come; to thee is offered this, the pure. Thou visitest the presser’s house.
3 Indra and Vayu, drawn by teams, ye Heroes, come today and drink. Of the bright juice when blent with milk.
4 This Soma hath been shed for you, Lawstrengtheners, Mitra-Varuna! Listen ye here to this my call.
5 Both Kings who never injure aught seat them in their supremest home, The thousand-pillared, firmly-based.
6 Fed with oblation, Sovran Kings, Adityas, Lords of liberal gifts. They wait on him whose life is true.
7 With kine, Nasatyas, and with steeds, come, Asvins, Rudras, to the house
That will protect its heroes well;
8 Such, wealthy Gods! as none afar nor standing nigh to us may harm,
Yea, no malicious mortal foe.
9 As such, O longed-far Asvins, lead us on to wealth of varied sort, Wealth that shall bring us room and rest.
10 Verily Indra, conquering all, driveth e’en mighty fear away, For firm is he and swift to act.
11 Indra be gracious unto us: sin shall not reach us afterward, And good shall be before us still.
12 From all the regions of the world let Indra send security, The foe-subduer, swift to act.
13 O all ye Gods, come hitherward: hear this mine invocation, seat
Yourselves upon this sacred grass.
14 Among ihe gunahotras strong for you is this sweet gladdening draught. Drink ye of this delightsome juice.
15 Ye Martus led by Indra, Gods with Pri§an for your bounteousest, Hear all of you this call of mine.
16 Best Mother, best of Rivers, best of Goddesses, Sarasvati, We are, as ’twere, of no repute and dear
Mother, give thou us renown.
17 In thee, Sarasvati, divine, all generations have their stay. Be, glad with Sunahotra’s sons: O Goddess grant us progeny.
18 Enriched with sacrifice, accept Sarasvati, these prayers of ours, Thoughts which GrtSamadas beloved of Gods bring, Holy One,to thee.
19 Ye who bless sacrifice, go forth, for verily we choose you both, And Agni who conveys our gifts.
20 This our.effectual sacrifice, reaching the sky, shall Heaven and Earth
Present unto the Gods to-day.
21 In both your laps, ye guileless Ones, the Holy Gods shall sit them down
To-day to drink the Soma here.
[02-042] HYMN XLII Kapinjala.
1. TELLING his race aloud with cries repeated, he sends his voice out as his boat a steersman. O Bird, be ominous of happy fortune from no side may calamity befall thee.
2 Let not the falcon kill thee, nor the eagle let not the arrow-bearing archer reach thee. Still crying in the region of the Fathers, speak here auspicious, bearing joyful tidings.
3 Bringing good tidings, Bird of happy omen, call thou out loudly southward of our dwellings, So that no thief, no sinner may oppress us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
[02-043] HYMN XLIII. Kapinjala.
1. HERE on the right sing forth chanters of hymns of praise, even the winged birds that in due season speak.
He, like: a Sama-chanter utters both the notes, skilled in the mode of Trstup and of Gayatri.
2 Thou like the chanter-priest chantest the Sama, Bird; thou singest at libations like a Brahman’s son. Even as a vigorous horse when he comes near the mare, announce to us good forturue, Bird, on every
side, proclaim in all directions happy luck, O Bird.
3 When singing here, O Bird. announce good luck to us, and when thou sittest still think on us with kind thoughts.
When flying off thou singest thou art like a lute. With brave sons in assembly may we speak aloud.