Rig Veda on Charity

2 T'he son of Prsadvana was Praskaniva's host, who lay decrepit and forlorn. 3 Call hither with thy newest song Indra who lacks not hymns of praise, 4 He unto whom they sang the seven−headed hymn, three−parted, in the loftiest place, 5 We invocate that Indra who bestoweth precious things on us. 6 He whom thou aidest, gracious Lord, to give again, obtains great wealth to nourish him. 7 Ne'er art thou fruitless, Indra ne'er dost thou desert the worshipper 8 He who hath. overtaken Krvi with his might, and silenced Susna with deathbolts,− 9 Good Lord of wealth is he to whom all Aryas, Dasas here belong. 10 In zealous haste the singers have sung forth a song distilling oil and rich in sweets.

2 They who with laud extol the ancient statutes, when they shine forth infallible dividers, 3 The Housewife Goddess, Aditi, and Sindhu, the Goddess Svasti I implore for friendship: 4 Aryaman, Varuna have disclosed the pathway, Agni as Lord of Strength the road to welfare. 5 I have besought the favourof the Maruts, of Parvata, of Bhaga God who rescues. 6 Agree, through these our watery oblations, Goddesses, Heaven and Earth, with Ahibudhnya. 7 May Goddess Aditi with Gods defend us, save us the saviour God with care unceasing. 8 Agni is Sovran Lord of wealth, Agni of great prosperity: 9 Hither to us, rich pleasant Dawn, bring many things to be desired, 10 So then may Bhaga, Savitar, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Indra, with bounty come to us.

2 Him in whose presence, when they meet in full assembly, men rejoice; 3 When we present to him the food and sacrificial gifts of men, 4 He gives a signal in the night even to him who is afar, 5 He in whose service on the ways they offer up their drops of sweat, 6 Whom, sought of many, mortal man hath found to be the Stay of all; 7 Even as a herd that crops the grass he shears the field and wilderness, 8 For him, to whom, bright as an axe he, as to Atri, hath flashed forth, 9 Agni to whom the oil is shed by him thou lovest to support, 10 Such zeal hath he, resistless one: he gained the cattle given by thee.

2 Armed with your daggers, full of wisdom, armed with spears, armed with your quivers, armed with arro 3 From hills and heaven ye shake wealth for the worshipper: in terror at your coming low the woods bow 4 Bright with the blasts of wind, wrapped in their robes of rain, like twins of noble aspect and of lovely fo 5 Rich in adornment, rich in drops, munificent, bright in their aspect, yielding bounties that endure, 6 Borne on both shoulders, O ye Maruts, are your spears: within your arms is laid your energy and 3trengt 7 Vouchsafe to us, O Maruts, splendid bounty in cattle and in steeds, in cars and heroes. 8 Ho! Maruts, Heroes, skilled in Law, immortal, be gracious unto us, ye rich in treasures,

2 May we go forth with Pusan who shall point the houses out to us, 3 Unharmed is Pusan's chariot wheel; the box ne'er falleth to the ground, 4 Pusan forgetteth not the man who serveth him with offered gift: 5 May Pusan follow near our kine; may Pusan keep our horses safe: 6 Follow the kine of him who pours libations out and worships thee; 7 Let none be lost, none injured, none sink in a pit and break a limb. 8 Pusan who listens to our prayers, the Strong whose wealth is never lost, 9 Secure in thy protecting care, O Pusan, never may we fail. 10 From out the distance, far and wide, may Pusan stretch his right hand forth, And drive our lost ag

2 May we, when this Dawn and the next dance hither, be thy best servants, most heroic Hero! 3 What was the gladdening draught that pleased thee, Indra? Speed through our doors to songs, for thou ar 4 Indra, what fame hath one like thee mid heroes? With what plan wilt thou act? Why hast thou sought us 5 Speed happily those, as Surya ends his journey, who meet his wish as bridegrooms meet their spouses; 6 Thine are two measures, Indra, wide−wellmeted, heaven for thy majesty, earth for thy wisdom. 7 They have poured out a bowl to him, to Indra, full of sweet juice, for faithful is his bounty. 8 Indra hath conquered in his wars, the Mighty: men strive in multitudes to win his friendship.

1 INDRA, bring wealth that gives delight, the victor's ever−conquering wealth, Most excellent, to be ou 2 By means of which we may repel our foes in battle hand to hand, 3 Aided by thee, the thunder−armed, Indra, may we lift up the bolt, 4 With thee, O India, for ally with missile−darting heroes, may 5 Mighty is Indra, yea supreme; greatness be his, the Thunderer: 6 Which aideth those to win them sons, who come as heroes to the fight, 7 His belly, drinking deepest draughts of Soma, like an ocean swells, 8 So also is his excellence, great, vigorous, rich in cattle, like 9 For verily thy mighty powers, Indra, are saving helps at once 10 So are his lovely gifts; let lauds and praises be to Indra sung,

2 Arrows with hundred points, unconquerable, are this Indra's n−dghty arms in war. 3 What time the flowing Soma−drops have gladdened with their taste the Friend, 4 To him the peerless, who is calling you to give you aid, forth flow the drops of pleasant meath. 5 He rushes hurrying like a steed to Soma that adorns our rite, 6 Praise the strong, grasping Hero, winner of the spoil, ruling supreme oer mighty wealth. 7 Now whether thou be far away, or in the heavens, or on the earth, 8 The Bays who draw thy chariot, Steeds who injure none, surpass the wind's impetuous strength− 9 O gracious Hero, may we learn anew to know thee as thou art: 10 As, Maghavan, to Kanva at the sacred feast, to Dirghanitha thine home−friend,

2 As thou with Matarisvan, Medhya, Prsadhra, hast cheered thee Indra, with pressed juice, 3 'Tis he who made the lauds his own and boldly drank the Soma juice, 4 In whose laud thou didst joy, Indra, at the great deed, O Satakratu, Mighty One! 5 He is our Sire who gives to us, Great, Mighty, ruling as he wills. 6 He to whom thou, Good Lord, givest that he may give increases wealth that nourishes. 7 Never art thou neglectful: thou guardest both races with thy care. 8 The offercr whom thou, Indra, Lover of the Song, liberal Maghavan, favourest,− 9 Sung is the song of ancient time: to Indra have ye said the prayer. 10 Indra hath tossed together mighty stores of wealth, and both the worlds, yea, and the Sun.

2 What God hath seen me? Who of all their number clearly beheld my forms in many places? 3 In many places, Agni Jatavedas, we sought thee hidden in the plants and waters. 4 I fled in fear from sacrificial worship, Varuna, lest the Gods should thus engage me. 5 Come; man is pious and would fain do worship, he waits prepared: in gloom thou, Agni, dwellest. 6 This goal mine elder brothers erst selected, as he who drives a car the way to travel. 7 We give thee life unwasting, Jatavedas, so that, employed, thou never shalt be injured. 8 Grant me the first oblations and the latter, entire, my forceful shares of holy presents, 9 Thine be the first oblations and the latter, entire, thy forceful shares of holy presents.

ye triumphed in your heart, and onward went to liberate the flood of milk; 19 Wherewith ye brought awife for Vimada to wed, wherewith ye freely gave the ruddy cows away; 20 Wherewith ye bring great bliss to him who offers gifts, wherewith ye have protected Bhujyu, Adhrigu, 21 Wherewith ye served Krsanu where the shafts were shot, and helped the young man's horse to swiftnes 22 Wherewith ye speed the hero as he fights for kine in hero battle, in the strife for land and sons, 23 Wherewith ye, Lords of Hundred Powers, helped Kutsa, son of Aduni, gave Turviti and Dabhiti streng 24 Make ye our speech effectual, O ye Asvins, and this our hymn, ye mighty Wonder−Workers. 25 With, undiminished blessings, O ye Asvins, for evermore both night and day protect us.

2 Agni, to thee I lift the oil−fed ladle, bright, with an offering, bearing our oblation. 3 Of keenest spirit is the man thou aidest give us good offspring, thou who givest freely. 4 Men as they worship thee the God, O Agni, have set on thee full many a brilliant, aspect. 5 When Gods anoint thee Priest at their oblation, and seat thee for thy task as Sacrificer, 2 Three are thy powers, O Agni, three thy stations, three are thy tongues, yea, many, Child of Order! 3 O Agni, many are the names thou bearest, immortal, God, Divine, and Jatavedas. 4 Agni, like Bhaga, leads the godly people, he who is true to Law and guards the seasons. 5 I call on Savitar the God, on Morning, Brhaspati, and Dadhikras, and Agni,

2 The gladdening juices stand prepared before you: come quickly and partake of mine oblation. 3 Your chariot with a hundred aids, O Asvins, beareth you swift as thought across the regions, 4 What time this stone of yours, the Gods' adorer, upraised, sounds forth for you as Soma−presser, 5 The nourishment ye have is, truly, wondrous: ye gave thereof a quickening store to Atri, 6 That gift, which all may gain, ye gave Cyavana, when he grew old, who offered you oblations, 7 What time his wicked friends abandoned Bhujyu, O Asvins, in the middle of the ocean, 8 Ye lent your aid to Vrka when exhausted, and listened when invoked to Sayu's calling. 9 With his fair hymns this singer, too, extols you, waking with glad thoughts at the break of morning.

1 They who stand round him as he moves harness the bright, the ruddy Steed 2 On both sides to the car they yoke the two bay coursers dear to him, 3 Thou, making light where no light was, and form, O men: where form was not, 4 Thereafter they, as is their wont, threw off the state of' babes unborn, 5 Thou, Indra, with the Tempest−Gods, the breakers down of what is firm ' 6 Worshipping even as they list, singers laud him who findeth wealth, 7 Mayest thou verily be seen coming by fearless Indra's side: 8 With Indra's well beloved hosts, the blameless, hastening to heaven, 9 Come from this place, O Wanderer, or downward from the light of heaven: 10 Indra we seek to give us help, from here, from heaven above the earth,

2 Soon as he sprang to birth that Agni was shown forth to Matarisvan in the highest firmament. 3 His flames that wax not old, beams fair to look upon of him whose face is lovely, shine with beauteous 4 Send thou with hymns that Agni to his own abode, who rules, one Sovran Lord of wealth, like Varuna, 5 He whom no force can stay, even as the Maruts' roar, like to a dart sent forth, even as the bolt from heav 6 And will not Agni find enjoyment in our praise, will not the Vasu grant our wish with gifts of wealth? 7 The kindler of the flame wins Agni as a Friend, promoter of the Law, whose face is bright with oil. 8 Keep us incessantly with guards that cease not, Agni, with guards auspicious, very mig

2 This is prepared for him the first, the second, and the third time: he is man's Priest and Herald. 3 To Indra's car the Bay Steeds have I harnessed, that new well−spoken words may bring him hither. 4 Indra, come hitherward with two Bay Coursers, come thou with four, with six when invocated. 5 O Indra, come thou hither having harnessed thy car with twenty, thirty, forty horses. 6 Come to us hitherward, O Indra, carried by eighty, ninety, or an hundred horses. 7 To this my prayer, O Indra, come thou hither: bind to thy car's pole all thy two Bay Coursers. 8 Ne'er be my love from Indra disunited still may his liberal Milch−cow yield us treasure. 9 Now may that wealthy Cow Of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee.

2 The speaker filleth with a cry to Indra his ears who cometh nigh e'en from a distance. 3 Him have I sung with my best song and praises, Indra of ancient birth and Everlasting. 4 Indra, whom sacrifice shall strengthen, Soma, and song and hymn, and praises and devotion, 5 Him, born for conquering might in full perfection, and waxen strongfor bounty and for glory, 2 Craving the kine, rushing against the mountain led on by Law, with holyminded comrades, 3 This Indu lighted darksome nights, O Indra, throughout the years, at morning and at evening. 4 He shone and caused to shme the worlds that shone not. By Law he lighted up the host of Mornings. 5 Now, praised, O Ancient King! fill thou the singer with plenteous food that he may deal forth treasures.

2 These men have come to Indra for assistance: shall he not quickly come upon these pathways? 3 He who hath only wish as his possession casts on himself, casts foam amid the waters. 4 This hath his kinship checked who lives beside us: with ancient streams forth speeds and rules the Hero, 5 Soon as this Dasyu's traces were discovered, as she who knows her home, he sought the dwelling. 6 Indra, as such, give us a share of sunlight, of waters, sinlessness, and reputation. 7 Now we, I think, in thee as such have trusted: lead us on, Mighty One, to ample riches. 8 Slay us not, Indra; do not thou forsake us: steal not away the joys which we delight in. 9 Come to us; they have called thee Soma−lover: here is the pressed juice. Drink thereof for rapture.

2 Hither is come the Rbhus' gift of riches; here was the drinking of the well−pressed Soma, 3 Ye made fourfold the chalice that wag single: ye spake these words and said, O Friend, assist us; 4 Out of what substance was that chalice fashioned which ye made fourfold by your art and wisdom? 5 Ye with your cunning made your Parents youthful; the cup, for Gods to drink, ye formed with cunning; 6 Whoso pours out for you, when days are closing, the sharp libation for your joy, O Vajas, 7 Lord of Bay Steeds, at dawn thejuice thou drankest: thine, only thine, is the noonday libation. 8 Ye, whom your artist skill hath raised to Godhead have set you down above in heaven like falcons. 9 The third libation, that bestoweth treasure, which ye have won by skill, ye dexterous−handed,−

2 Sole among chiefs, companionless, impetuous, and peerless, he 3 Lord of swift bounty, he will win e'en with a steed of worthless sort. 4 Come to us.hither: let us pay devotions that enhance thy might, 5 For thou, O Indra, makest yet more bold the spirit of the bold 6 Worthy of song, he looketh down as a man looketh into wells. 7 In strength and wisdom all the Gods, Indra, have yielded unto thee. 8 Praised, Indra, is this might of thine, best for the service of the Gods, 9 He makes the races of mankind like synods of the Beauteous One. 10 Thy might, O Indra, at its birth, thee also, and thy mental power, 11 O Vrtra−slayer, thou and I will both combine for winning spoil. 12 Let us extol this Indra as truthful and never as untrue.

2 To Asamati, spring of gifts, lord of the brave, a radiant car, 3 Who, when the spear hath armed his hand, or even weaponless o'erthrows 4 Him in whose service flourishes Iksvaku, rich and dazzling−bright. 5 Indra, support the princely power of Rathaprosthas matched by none, 6 Thou for Agastya's sister's sons yokest thy pair of ruddy steeds. 7 This is the mother, this the sire, this one hath come to be thy life. 8 As with the leather thong they bind the chariot yoke to hold it fast, 9 Even as this earth, the mighty earth, holds fast the monarchs of the wood. 10 Subandlin's spirit I have brought from Yarna, from Vivasvan's Son, 11 The wind blows downward from on high, downward the Sun−God sends his heat, 12 Felicitous is this mine hand, yet more felicitous is this.

2 Thy well−winged flashes strengthen in their manner, when the black Bull hath bellowed round about us. 3 When he comes streaming with the milk of worship, conducting by directest paths of Order 4 O Agni, thou who art the lord of wealth in kine, thou Son of Strength, 5 He, Agni, kindled, good and wise, must be exalted in our song: 6 O Agni, shining of thyself by night and when the morning breaks, 7 Adorable in all our rites, favour us, Agni, with thine.aid, 8 Bring to us ever−conquering wealth, wealth, Agni, worthy of our choice, 9 Give us, O Agni, through thy grace wealth that supporteth all our life, 10 O Gotama, desiring bliss present thy songs composed with care 11 May the man fall, O Agni, who near or afar assaileth us: 12 Keen and swift Agni, thousand−eyed, chaseth the Raksasas afar:

2 As these, like friends, have done this work for you, these prompt servants of Purumilha Soma−offerer, 3 The folk have glorified your birth from Earth and Heaven, to be extolled, ye Strong Ones, for your migh 4 The people prospers, Asuras! whom ye dearly love: ye, Righteous Ones, proclaim aloud the Holy Law. 5 On this great earth ye send your treasure down with might: unstained by dust, the crowding kine are in t 6 The flames with curling tresses serve your sacrifice, whereto ye sing the song, Mitra and Varuna. 7 Whoso with sacrifices toiling brings you gifts, and worships, sage and priest, fulfilling your desire,− 8 With sacrifices and with milk they deck you first, ye Righteous Ones, as if through stirrings of the mind 9 Rich strength of life is yours: ye, Heroes, have obtained through your surpassing powers rich far−extend

2 Wise must this Agni be, though young and tender, since he was born, Most Youthful, of his Mother; 3 Before his presence must we all assemble, this God's whom men have seized in his white splendour. 4 Far−seeing hath this Agni been established, deathless mid mortals, wise among the foolish. 5 He who hath occupied his God−made dwelling, Agni, in wisdom hath surpassed Immortals. 6 Agni is Lord of Amrta. in abundance, Lord of the gift of wealth and hero valour, 7 The foeman's treasure may be won with labour: may we be masters of our own possessions. 8 Unwelcome for adoption is the stranger, one to be thought of as another's offipring, 9 Guard us from him who would assail us, Agni; preserve us O thou Victor, from dishonour. 10 Shine this felicity on us, O Agni: may we attain to perfect understanding.

2 Do ye, O Indra−Agni, hear the singer's call: accept his songs. 3 Give us not up to poverty, ye Heroes, Indra−Agni, nor 4 To Indra and to Agni we bring reverence, high and holy hymn, 5 For all these holy singers here implore these Twain to succour them, 6 Eager to laudyou, we with songs invoke you, bearing sacred food, 7 Indra and Agni, come to us with favour, ye who conquer men: 8 At no time let the injurious blow of hostile mortal fall on us: 9 Whatever wealth we crave of you, in gold, in cattle, or in steeds, 10 When heroes prompt in worship call Indra and Agni, Lords of steeds, 11 Call hither with the song and lauds those who best slay the foemen, those 12 Slay ye the wicked man whose thought is evil of the demon kind.

2 Gandharvi spake: may she, the Lady of the flood, amid the river's roaring leave my heart untouched. 3 Yea, even this blessed Morning, rich in store of food, splendid, with heavenly lustre, hath shone out for 4 And the fleet Falcon brought for sacrifice from afar this flowing Drop most excellent and keen of sight, 5 Still art thou kind to him who feeds thee as with grass, and, skilled in sacrifice, offers thee holy gifts. 6 Urge thou thy Parents, as a lover ' to delight: the Lovely One desires and craves it from his heart. 7 Far−famed is he, the mortal man, O Agni, thou Son of Strength, who hath obtained thy favour. 8 When, Holy Agni, the divine assembly, the sacred synod mid the Gods, is gathered, 9 Hear us, O Agni, in your common dwelling: harness thy rapid car of Amrta.

2 He who filled full his belly with the Soma's juice, Maghavan, was delighted with the meath's sweet drau 3 Illustrious is the man whoever presseth out Soma for him in sunshine or in cloud and rain. 4 The Strong God doth not flee away from him whose sire, whose mother or whose brother he hath done t 5 He seeks no enterprise with five or ten to aid, nor stays with him who pours no juice though prospering 6 Exceeding strong in war he stays the chariot wheel, and, hating him who pours not, prospers him who 7 He gathers up for plunder all the niggard’s gear: excellent wealth he gives to him who offers gifts. 8 When Indra Maghavan hath marked two wealthy men fighting for beauteous cows with all their followe 9 Agni! I laud the liberal Agnivesi, Satri the type and standard of the pious.

2 Fair, Agni, is thy long−known path to travel: yoke for the juice tfiy bay, thy ruddy horses, 3 They glorify your sacrifice with worship, yet the glad Priest near them is left unequalled. 4 What time the Guest hath made himself apparent, at ease reclining in the rich man's dwelling, 5 Accept this sacrifice of ours, O Agni; glorify it with Indra and the Maruts. 6 Thus hath Vasistha praised victorious Agni, yearning for wealth that giveth all subsistence. 2 Let sacrifice proceed like some fleet courser: with one accord lift ye on high the ladles. 3 Like babes in arms reposing on their mother, let the Gods sit upon the grass's summit. 4 Gladly the Gods have let themselves be honoured, milking the copious streams of holy Order. 5 So, Agni, send us wealth among the people: may we be closely knit to thee, O Victor,

23 We to the Mighty with our might, with lauds to him who hears our call, 24 Not earth, nor heaven, nor firmaments contain the Thunder−wielding God: 25 What time the Gods, O Indra, get thee foremost in the furious fight, 26 When Vrtra, stayer of the floods, thou si"est, Thundeicr with might, 27 When Visnu, through thine energy, strode wide those three great steps of his, 28 When thy two beautiful Bay Steeds grew great and greater day by day, 29 When, Indra, all the Marut folk humbly submitted them to thee, 30 When yonder Sun, that brilliant light, thou settest in the heaven above, 31 To thee, O Indra, with this thought the sage lifts up this eulogy, 32 When in thine own dear dwelling all gathered have lifted up the voice 33 As Priest, O Indra, give us wealth in brave men and good steeds ana kine

2 Thou wanderest far, O Indra, through the spheres of light and realms of earth, the region, thou whom m 3 More beautiful than beauty must this seem to me, when the son duly careth for his parents' line. 4 This beauteous place of meeting have I looked upon, where, like milch−cows, the kine order the marria 5 The Pious One hath reached your place before the rest: One only moves victorious with the Rudras' ban 6 He who maintains the Laws of God informed me that thou wast lying hidden in the waters. 7 The stranger asks the way of him who knows it: taught by the skilful guide he travels onward. 8 Even now he breathed: these days hath he remembered. Concealed, he sucked the bosom of his Mother. 9 O Kalasa, all these blessings will we bring them, O Kurusravana, who give rich presents.

1 O INDRA drink the Soma juice with Rtu; let the cheering drops 2 Drink from the Purifier's cup, Maruts, with Rtu; sanctify 3 O Nestar, with thy Dame accept our sacrifice; with Rtu drink, 4 Bring the Gods, Agni; in the three appointed places set them down: 5 Drink Soma after the Rtus, from the Brahmana's bounty: undissolved, 6 Mitra, Varuna, ye whose ways are firm − a Power that none deceives−, 7 The Soma−pressers, fain for wealth, praise the Wealth−giver in the rite, 8 May the Wealth−giver grant to us riches that shall be far renowned. 9 He with the Rtu fain would drink, Wealth−giver, from the Nestar's bowl. 10 As we this fourth time, Wealth−giver, honour thee with the Rtus, be 11 Drink ye the meath, O Asvins bright with flames, whose acts are pure. who with 12 With Rtu, through the house−fire, thou, kind Giver, guidest sacrifice:

1 THOUGH e'en this heaven's wide space and earth have spread them out, nor heaven nor earth may be in 2 Like as the watery ocean, so doth he receive the rivers spread on all sides in their ample width. 3 Thou swayest, Indra, all kinds of great manly power, so as to bend, as't were, even that famed mountain 4 He only in the wood is praised by worshippers, when he shows forth to men his own fair Indra−power. 5 Yet verily the Warrior in his vigorous strength stirreth up with his might great battles for mankind; 6 Though, fain for glory, and with strength increased on earth, he with great might destroys the dwellings 7 Drinker of Soma, let thy heart incline to give; bring thy Bays hitherward, O thou who hearest praise. 8 Thou bearest in both hands treasure that never fails; the famed One in his body holds unvanquished mig

2 The Gods infallible all searching found not him, the dear Babe who still is round about us. 3 Because with holy oil the pure Ones, Agni, served thee the very pure three autumn seasons, 4 Making them known to spacious earth and heaven, the holy Ones revealed the powers of Rudra. 5 Nigh they approached, one−minded, with their spouses, kneeling to him adorable paid worship. 6 Soon as the holy beings had discovered the thrice−seven mystic things contained within thee, 7 Thou, Agni, knower of men's works, hast sent us good food in constant course for our subsistence: 8 Knowing the Law, the seven strong floods from heaven, full of good thought, discerned the doors of ric 9 They who approached all noble operations making a path that leads to life immortal, 10 When Gods immortal made both eyes of heaven, they gave to him the gift of beauteous glory. No

2 Agni, Eternal Father, offering− bearer, fair to behold, far−reaching, far−refulgent, 3 The Sage of men, the Lord of human races, pure, purifying Agni, balmed with butter, 4 Agni, enjoy, of one accord with Ila, striving in rivalry with beams of Sarya, 5 As dear House−Friend, guest welcome in the dwelling, to this our sacrifice come thou who knowest. 6 Drive thou away the Dasyu with thy weapon. As, gaining vital power for thine own body, 7 May we, O Agni, with our lauds adore thee, and with our gifts, fair−beaming Purifier! 8 Son of Strength, Agni, dweller in three regions, accept our sacrifice and our oblation. 9 Over all woes and dangers, Jatavedas, bear us as in a boat across a river. 10 As I, remembering thee with grateful spirit, a mortal, call with might on thee Immortal, 11 The pious man, O Jatavedas Agni, to whom thou grantest ample room and pleasure,

2 He, Friend of man, most wise, victorious Hero, hears, with far−reaching aid, the singer call him. 3 The lofty axle of thy wheels, O Hero, is not surpassed by heaven and earth in greatness. 4 Strong Lord, thine energies, endowed with vigour, are like the paths of kine converging homeward. 5 One act to−day, another act tomorrow oft Indra makes what is not yet existeni. 6 By song and sacrifice men brought the waters from thee, as from a mountain's ridge, O Indra. 7 That Indra whom nor months nor autumn seasons wither with age, nor fleeting days enfeeble,− 8 Extolled, he bends not to the strong, the steadfast, nor to the bold incited by the Dasyu. 9 Impetuous Speeder through all depth and distance, give strengthening food, thou drinker of the juices. 10 Hasting to help, come hither and protect him, keep him from harm when he is here, O Indra.

2 Like a steed neighing eager for the pasture, when he hath stepped forth from the great enclosure: 3 From thee a Bull but newly born, O Agni, the kindled everlasting flames rise upward. 4 Thou whose fresh lustre o'er the earth advanceth when greedily with thy jaws thy food thou eatest. 5 The men have decked him both at eve and morning, Most Youthful Agni, as they tend a courser. 6 O fair of face, beautiful is thine aspect when, very near at hand, like gold thou gleamest, 7 That we may worship, with your Hail to Agni! with sacrificial cakes and fat oblations, 8 Thine are resistless songs for him who offers, and hero−giving hymns wherewith thou savest; 9 When forth he cometh, like an axe new−sharpened, pure in his form, resplendent in his body, 10 Shine this felicity on us, O Agni: may we attain to perfect understanding.

2 Indra, thou humbledst tribes that spake with insult by breaking down seven autumn forts, their refuge. 3 With whom thou drivest troops whose lords are heroes, and bringest daylight now, much worshipped In 4 They through the greatness of thy spear, O Indra, shall, to thy praise, rest in this earthly station. 5 Indra, bear Kutsa, him in whom thou joyest: the dark−red horses of the Wind are docile. 6 Thou Indra, Lord of Bays, made strong by impulse, hast slain the vexers of thy friends, who give not. 7 Indra, the bard sang forth in inspiration: thou madest earth a covering for the Dasa. 8 These thine old deeds new bards have sung, O Indra. Thou conqueredst, boundest many tribes for ever. 9 A Stormer thou hast made the stormy waters flow down, O Indra, like the running rivers. 10 Indra, mayst thou be ours in all occasions, protector of the men, most gentle−hearted,

2 Let him be even that God who, for the earliest draught measuring out his power, increased his majesty; 3 Thou didst perform thy first great deed of hero might what time thou showedst power, through prayer, 4 He made himself by might Lord of all living things, and strong in vital power waxed great above them a 5 He with his might made firm the forward−bending hills, the downward rushing of the waters he ordaine 6 Fit for the grasping of his arms is what the Sire hath fabricated from all kind of precious wealth. 7 As she who in her parents' house is growing old, I pray to thee as Bhaga from the seat of all. 8 May we invoke thee as a liberal giver thou givest us, O Indra, strength and labours. 9 Now may that weaithy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee.

2 Wild in their course, in well−marked wise rejoicing were they, Brhaspati, who pressed around us. 3 Brhaspati, from thy remotest distance have they sat down who love the law eternal. 4 Brhaspati, when first he had his being from mighty splendour in supremest heaven, 5 With the loud−shouting band who sang his praises, with thunder, he destroyed obstructive Vala. 6 Serve we with sacrifices, gifts, and homage even thus the Steer of all the Gods, the Father. 7 Surely that King by power and might heroic hath made him lord of all his foes' posses−ions, 8 In his own house he dwells in peace and comfort: to him for ever holy food flows richly. 9 He, unopposed, is master of the riches.of his own subjects and of hostile people. 10 Indra, Brhaspati, rainers of treasure, rejoicing at this sacrifice drink the Soma. 11 Brhaspati and Indra, make us prosper may this be your benevolence to usward.

2 Whose lofty might−for doubly strong is he−supports the heavens and earth, 3 Such, Praised by many! thou art King alone thou smitest Vrtras dead, 4 We sing this strong and wild delight of thine which conquers in the fray, 5 Wherewith thou also foundest lights for Ayu and for Manu's sake: 6 This day too singers of the hymn praise, as of old, this might of thine: 7 That lofty Indra−power of thine, thy strength and thine intelligence, 8 O Indra, Heaven and Earth augment thy manly power and thy renown; 9 Visnu the lofty ruling Power, Varuna, Mitra sing thy praise: 10 O Indra, thou wast born the Lord of men, most liberal of thy gifts: 11 Ever, alone, O highly−praised, thou sendest Vrtras to their rest: 12 Though here and there, in varied hymns, Indra, men call on thee for aid, 13 Already have all forms of him entered our spacious dwelling−place:

2 The Munis, girdled with the wind, wear garments soiled of yellow hue. 3 Transported with our Munihood we have pressed on into the winds: 4 The Muni, made associate in the holy work of every God, 5 The Steed of Vata, Vayu's friend, the Muni, by the Gods impelled, 6 Treading the path of sylvan beasts, Gandharvas, and Apsarases, 7 Vayu hath churned for him: for him he poundeth things most hard to bend, 2 Two several winds are blowing here, from Sindhu, from a distant land. 3 Hither, O Wind, blow healing balm, blow all disease away, thou Wind; 4 I am come nigh to thee with balms to give thee rest and keep thee safe. 5 Here let the Gods deliver him, the Maruts' band deliver him: 6 The Waters have their healing power, the Waters drive disease away. 7 The tongue that leads the voice precedes. Then with our ten−fold branching hands,

2 He was set down mid men as Priest unerring, Agni, wise, welcome in our holy synods. 3 The glowing ladle, filled with oil, is lifted; choosing Gods' service to the right he circles. 4 When sacred grass is strewn and Agni kindled, the Adhvaryu rises to, his task rej o cing. 5 Agni himself, the Priest, with measured motion, goes round, with sweet speech, cheerful, true to Order. 6 Beautiful and auspicious is thine aspect, O lovely Agni, terrible when spreading. 7 Naught hindered his production, Bounteous Giver: his Mother and his Sire were free to send him. 8 He, Agni, whom the twice−five sisters, dwelling together, in the homes of men engendered, 9 These thy Bay Coursers, Agni, dropping fatness, ruddy vigorous, speeding straightly forward, 10 These brightly−shining games of thine, O Agni, that move for ever restless, allsubduing, 11 To thee, O flaming God, hath prayer been offered. Let the priest laud thee: give to him who worships.

2 The Twain uphold, though motionless and footless, a widespread offspring having feet and moving. 3 I call for Aditi's unrivalled bounty, perfect, celestial, deathless, meet for worship. 4 May we be close to both the Worlds who suffer no pain, Parents of Gods, who aid with favour, 5 Faring together, young, with meeting limits, Twin Sisters lying in their Parents' bosom, 6 Duly I call the two wide seats, the mighty, the general Parents, with the God's protection. 7 Wide, vast, and manifold, whose bounds are distant,−these, reverent, I address at this our worship, 8 What sin we have at any time committed against the Gods, our friend, our house's chieftain, 9 May both these Friends of man, who bless, preserve me, may they attend me with their help and favour. 10 Endowed with understanding, I have uttered this truth, for all to hear, to Earth and Heaven. 11 Be this my prayer fulfilled, O Earth and Heaven, wherewith, Father and Mother, I address you.

2 Knowing your birth and rich in gathered treasure, Rbhus, rejoice together with the Rtus. 3 For you was made this sacrifice, O Rbhus, which ye, like men, won for yourselves aforetime. 4 Now for the mortal worshipper, O Heroes, for him who served you, was the gift of riches. 5 Come to us, Heroes, Vajas and Rbhuksans, glorified for the sake of mighty treasure. 6 Come to this sacrifice of ours, ye Children of Strength, invoked with humble adoration. 7 Close knit with Varuna drink the Soma, Indra; close−knit, ilymn−lover! with the Maruts drink it: 8 Rejoice in full accord with the Adityas, in concord with the Parvatas, O Rbhus; 9 Rbhus, who helped their Parents and the Asvins, who formed the Milch−cow and the pair of horses, 10 Ye who have wealth in cattle and in booty, in heroes, in rich sustenance and treasure, 11 Ye were not far: we have not left you thirsting, blameless in this our sacrifice, O Rbhus.

37 O Child of Strength, to thee whose look is lovely we with dainty food, 38 To thee for shelter are we come, as to the shade from fervent heat 39 Mighty as one who slays with shafts, or like a bull with sharpened horn, 40 Whom, like an infant newly born, devourer, in their arms they bear, 41 Bear to the banquet of the Gods the God best finder−out of wealth, 42 In Jatavedas kindle ye the dear guest who hath now appeared 43 Harness, O Agni, O thou God, thy steeds which are most excellent: 44 Come hither, bring the Gods to us to taste the sacrificial feast, 45 O Agni of the Bharatas, blaze high with everlasting might, 46 The mortal man who serves the God with banquet, and, bringing gifts at sacrifice, lauds Agni, 47 Agni, we bring thee, with our hymn, oblation fashioned in the heart. 48 The Gods enkindle Agni, best slayer of Vrtra, first in rank,

2 Our sires of old,. Navagvas, sages seven, while urging him to show his might, extolled him, 3 We seek that Indra to obtain his riches that bring much food, and men, and store of heroes. 4 Tell thou us this, if at thy hand aforetime the earlier singers have obtained good fortune, 5 He who for car−borne Indra, armed with thunder, hath a hymn, craving, deeply−piercing, fluent, 6 Strong of thyself, thou by this art hast shattered, with thought−swift Parvata, him who waxed against th 7 Him will we fit for you with new devotion, the strongest Ancient One, in ancient manner. 8 Thou for the people who oppress hast kindled the earthly firmament and that of heaven. 9 Of all the Heavenly Folk, of earthly creatures thou art the King, O God of splendid aspect. 10 Give us confirmed prosperity, O Indra, vast and exhaustless for the foe's subduing. 11 Come with thy team which brings all blessings hither, Disposer, much−invoked, exceeding holy.

2 With sacrifice to these we men will honour the majesty of holy Narasamsa− 3 We will extol at sacrifice for ever, as men may do, Agni whom Manu kindled, 4 Bearing the sacred grass, the men who serve him strew it with reverence, on their knees, by Agni. 5 With holy thoughts the pious have thrown open Doors fain for chariots in the Gods' assembly. 6 And let the two exalted Heavenly Ladies, Morning and Night, like a cow good at milking, 7 You, Bards and Singers at men's sacrifices, both filled with wisdom, I incline to worship. 8 May Bharati with all her Sisters, Ila accordant with the Gods, with mortals Agni, 9 Well pleased with us do thou, O God, O Tvastar, give ready issue to our procreant vigour, 10 Send to the Gods the oblation, Lord of Forests, and let the Immolator, Agni, dress it. 11 Come thou to us, O Agni, duly kindled, together with the potent Gods and Indra.

1 HIS bright rays bear him up aloft, the God who knoweth all that lives, 2 The constellations pass away, like thieves, together with their beams, 3 His herald rays are seen afar refulgent o'er the world of men, 4 Swift and all beautiful art thou, O Surya, maker of the light, 5 Thou goest to the hosts of Gods, thou comest hither to mankind, 6 With that same eye of thine wherewith thou lookest brilliant Varuna, 7 Traversing sky and wide mid−air, thou metest with thy beams our days, 8 Seven Bay Steeds harnessed to thy car bear thee, O thou farseeing One, 9 Surya hath yoked the pure bright Seven, the daughters of the car; with these, 10 Looking upon the loftier light above the darkness we have come 11 Rising this day, O rich in friends, ascending to the loftier heaven, 12 To parrots and to starlings let us give away my yellowness, 13 With all his conquering vigour this Aditya hath gone up on high,

2 Bearing thy body, Vajin, may thy body afford us blessing and thyself protection. 3 Strong Steed art thou: go to the yearning Maidens with vigour, happily go to heaven and praises: 4 Part of their grandeur have the Fathers also gained: the Gods have seated mental power in them as Gods 5 They strode through all the region with victorious might, establishing the old immeasurable laws. 6 In two ways have the sons established in his place the Asura who finds the light, by the third act, 7 As in a ship through billows, so through regions of air, with blessings, through toils and troubles 2 May we obtain, completely wrought, the thread spun out to reach the Gods, 3 We call the spirit hither with the Soma of our parted sires, 4 Thy spirit come to thee again for wisdom, energy, and lire, 5 O Fathers, may the Heavenly Folk give us our spirit once again, 6 O Soma with the spirit still within us, blest with progeny,

2 Ye ministers, to him who with the lightning smote, like a tree, the rain−withholding Vrtra− 3 Ye ministers, to him who smote Drhhikas who drove the kine forth, and discovered Vala, 4 Him who did Urana to death, Adhvaryus! though showing arms ninety−and−nine in number; 5 Ye ministers, to him who struck down Svasna, and did to death Vyamsa and greedy Susna, 6 Ye ministers, to him who as with thunder demolished Sambara's hundred ancient castles; 7 Ye ministers, to him who slew a hundred thousand, and cast them down upon earth's bosom; 8 Ministers, men, whatever thing ye long for obtain ye quickly bringing gifts to Indra. 9 Do ye, O ministers, obey his order: that purified in wood, in wood uplift ye. 10 As the cow's udder teems with milk, Adhvaryus, so fill with Soma Indra, liberal giver. 11 Him, ministers, the Lord of heavenly treasure and all terrestrial wealth that earth possesses, 12 Prepare thyself to grant us that great booty, O Vasu, for abundant is thy treasure.

2 What genuine and most liberal draught will spirit thee with juice to burst 3 Do thou who art Protector of us thy friends who praise thee 4 Like as a courser's circling wheel, so turn thee hitherward to us, 5 Thou seekest as it were thine own stations with swift descent of powers: 6 What time thy courage and his wheels together, Indra, run their course 7 So even, Lord of Power and Might, the people call thee Maghavan, 8 And verily to him who toils and presses Soma juice for thee 9 No, not a hundred hinderers can check thy gracious bounty's flow, 10 May thine assistance keep us safe, thy hundred and thy thousand aids: 11 Do thou elect us this place for friendship and prosperity, 12 Favour us, Indra, evermore with overflowing store of wealth: 13 With new protections, Indra, like an archer, open thou forus 14 Our chariot, Indra, boldly moves endued with splendour, ne'er repulsed, 15 O Surya, make our fame to be most excellent among the Gods,

2 Be gracious unto us, O Rudra, bring us joy: thee, Lord of Heroes, thee with reverence will we serve. 3 By worship of the Gods may we, O Bounteous One, O Rudra, gain thy grace, Ruler of valiant men. 4 Hither we call for aid the wise, the wanderer, impetuous Rudra, perfecter of sacri fice. 5 Him with the braided hair we call with reverence down, the wild−boar of the sky, the red, the dazzling 6 To him the Maruts' Father is this hymn addressed, to strengthen Rudra's might, a song more sweet than 7 O Rudra, harm not either great or small of us, harm not the growing boy, harm not the full−grown man. 8 Harm us not, Rudra, in our seed and progeny, harm us not in the living, nor in cows or steeds, 9 Even as a herdsman I have brought thee hymns of praise: O Father of the Maruts, give us happiness, 10 Far be thy dart that killeth men or cattle: thy bliss be with us, O thou Lord of Heroes. Be graci

2 Aryaman art thou as regardeth maidens mysterious, is thy name, O Self−sustainer. 3 The Maruts deck their beauty for thy glory, yea, Rudra! for thy birth fair, brightly−coloured. 4 Gods through thy glory, God who art so lovely! granting abundant gifts gained life immortal. 5 There is no priest more skilled than thou in worship; none Self−sustainer pass thee in wisdom. 6 Aided by thee, O Agni may we conquer through our oblation, fain for wealth, awakened: 7 He shall bring evil on the evil−plottcr whoever turns against us sin and outrage. 8 At this dawn's flushing, God! our ancient fathers served thee with offerings, making thee their envoy, 9 Save, thou who knowest, draw thy father near thee, who counts as thine own son, O Child of Power. 10 Adoring thee he gives thee many a title, when thou, Good Lord! acceptest this as Father. 11 Most Youthful Agni, verily thou bearest thy praiser safely over all his troubles. 12 To thee these eulogies have been directed: or to the Vasu hath this sin been spoken.

2 Looking on man, O Varuna and Mitra, this Sun ascendeth up by both the pathways, 3 He from their home hath yoked the Seven gold Coursers who, dropping oil and fatness, carry Surya. 4 Your coursers rich in store of sweets have mounted: to the bright ocean Surya hath ascended, 5 For these, even Aryaman, Varuna and Mitra, are the chastisers of all guile and falsehood. 6 These, Mitra, Varuna whom none deceiveth, with great power quicken even the fool to wisdom, 7 They ever vigilant, with eyes that close not, caring for heaven and earth, lead on the thoughtless. 8 When Aditi and Varuna and Mitra, like guardians, give Sudas their friendly shelter, 9 May he with ofierings purify the altar from any stains of Varuna's reviler. 10 Hid from our eyes is their resplendent meeting: by their mysterious might they hold dominion. 11 He who wins favour for his prayer by worship, that he may gain him strength and highest riches, 12 This priestly task, Gods! Varuna and Mitra! hath been performed for you at sacrifices.

2 Firm−seated is thy car, thy Steeds are docile; thy hand, O King, holds, firmly grasped, the thunder. 3 Let strong and mighty Steeds who bear this Mighty Indra, the Lord of men, whose arm wields thunder, 4 So like a Bull thou rushest to the Lord who loves the trough, the Sage, the prop of vigour, in the vat, 5 May precious treasures come to us−so will I pray. Come to the votary's gift offered with beauteous laud. 6 Far went our earlist invocation of the Gods, and won us glories that can never be surpassed. 7 So be the others, evil−hearted, far away, whose horses, difficult to harness, have been yoked. 8 He firmly fixed the plains and mountains as they shook. Dyaus thundered forth and made the air's 9 I bear this deftly−fashioned goad of thine, wherewith thou, Maghavan, shalt break the strikers with the 10 O Much−invoked, may we subdue all famine and evil want with store of grain and cattle. 11 Brhaspati protect us from the rearward, and from above, and from below, from sinners.

2 As there ye, Mitra, Varuna, above the true have taken to yourselves the untrue with your mind, with 3 Asvins, the pious call you with their hymns of praise, sounding their loud song forth to you, these living 4 Well is it known, O Mighty Ones: ye open heaven; for you the chariotsteeds are yoked for morning rites 5 O Rich in Strength, through your great power vouchsafe us blessings day and night. 6 These Soma−drops, strong Indra! drink for heroes, poured, pressed out by pressing−stones, are welling 7 Quickly, O Agni, hear us: magnified by us thou shalt speck for us to the Gods adorable yea, to the King 8 Ne'er may these manly deeds of yours for us grow old, never may your bright glories fall into decay, ne 9 Dadhyac of old, Anigiras, Priyamedha these, and Kanva, Atri, Manu knew my birth, yea, tbose of ancie 10 Let the Invoker bless: let offerers bring choice gifts; Brhaspati the Friend doth sacrifice with Steers, St 11 O ye Eleven Gods whose home is heaven, O ye Eleven who make earth your dwelling,

2 Who for the Fivefold People's take hath seated him in every home 3 On all sides may that Agni guard our household folk and property; 4 I have begotten this new hymn for Agni, Falcon of the sky: 5 Whose lories when he glows in front of sacrite are fair to see, 6 May he enjoy this hallowed gift, Agni accept our songs, who bears 7 Lord of the house, whom men must seek, we set thee down, O Worshipped Onel 8 Shine forth at night and morn: through thee with fires are we provided well. 9 The men come near thee for their gain, the singers with their songs of praise: 10 Bright, Purifier, meet for praise, Immortal with refulgent glow, 11 As such, bring us abundant wealth, young Child of Strength, for this thou canst 12 Thou, Agni, givest hero fame: Bhaga and Savitar the God, 13 Agni, preserve us from distress: consume our enemies, O God, 14 And, irresistible, be thou a mighty iron fort to us, 15 Do thou preserve us, eve and morn, from sorrow, from the wicked men,

2 Honour that Indra, Puruhanman! for his aid, in whose sustaining hand of old, 3 No one by deed attains to him who works and strengthens evermore: 4 The potent Conqueror, invincible in war, him at whose birth the Mighty Ones, 5 O Indra, if a hundred heavens and if a hundred earths were thine− 6 Thou, Hero, hast performed thy hero deeds with might, yea, all with strength, O Strongest One. 7 Let not a godless mortal gain this food, O thou whose life is long! 8 Urge ye the Conqueror to give, your Indra greatly to be praised, 9 O Vasu, O thou Hero, raise us up to ample opulence. 10 Indra, thou justifiest us, and tramplest down thy slanderers. 11 The man who brings no sacrifice, inhuman, godless, infidel, 12 O Mightiest Indra, loving us, gather thou up, as grains of corn, 13 O my companions, wish for power. How may we perfect Sara's praise, 14 By many a sage whose grass is trimmed thou art continually praised, 15 The noble, Suradeva's son, hath brought a calf, led by the car to three of us.

2 He goes to end his work with lightning flashes: wide is the seat his Asura glory gives him. 3 On most auspicious path he goes to battle he toiled to win heaven's light, full fain to gain it; 4 Fighting for kine, the prize of war, and I roaming among the berd be brings the young streams hither, 5 Bold, unsolicited for wealth, with Rudras he came, the Blameless, having left his dwelling, 6 Lord of the dwelling, he subdued the demon who roared aloud, six−eyed and triple−headed. 7 He raised himself on high and shot his arrow against the guileful and oppressive foeman. 8 He, like a cloud that rains upon the pasture, hath found for us the way to dwell in safety. 9 He with his potent Friends gave up the mighty, gave gusnia up to Kutsa for affliction. 10 He, with his Gods who love mankind, the Wondrous, giving like Varuna who works with magic, 11 Through lauds of him hath Ausija Rjisvan burst, with the Mighty's aid, the stall of Pipru. 12 So, swiftly Asura, for exaltation, hath the great Vamraka come nigh to Indra.

2 O Pavamana, urge us forward in the fight thou art the vigour of the Gods, the well−loved drink. 3 Unharmed, best Cheerer, thou, O Indu, flowest on: thou, even thou thyself, art Indra's noblest food. 4 Wondrous, with hundred streams, hymned in a thousand songs, Indu pours out for Indra his delightrul 5 Roaring within the beaker thou art balmed with milk: thou passest through the fleecy filter all at once. 6 Flow onward sweet of flavour for the Heavenly Race, for Indra sweet, whose name is easily invoked: 7 Ten rapid fingers deck the Courser in the jar: with hymns the holy singers send their voices forth. 8 While thou art purified pour on us hero strength, great, far−extended shelter, spacious pasturage. 9 The Steer who sees afar hath risen above the sky: the Sage hath caused the lights of heaven to give their 10 High in the vault of heaven, unceasing, honey−tongued, the Loving Ones drain out the mountain−haun 11 The Loving Ones besought with many voices the Eagle who had flown away to heaven. 12 High to heaven's vault hath the Gandharva risen, beholding all his varied forms and figures.