Rig Veda on Devotion

2 Rich shall he be in gold and kine and horses. Indra bestows on him great vital power, 3 Longing, I came this morning to the pious, the son of sacrifice, with car wealth. laden. 4 Health−bringing streams, as milch−cows, flow to profit him who hath worshipped, him who now will 5 On the high ridge of heaven he stands exalted, yea, to the Gods he goes, the liberal giver. 6 For those who give rich meeds are all these splendours, for those who give rich meeds suns shine in hea 7 Let not the liberal sink to sin and sorrow, never decay the pious −chiefs who worship!

2 Bring forth the God with song divine, being Jatavedas hitherward, 3 He here, a God−devoted Priest, led forward comes to sacrifice. 4 This Agni rescues from distress, as 'twere from the Immortal Race,

1 Thou, Agni, wast the earliest Angiras, a Seer; thou wast, a God thyself, the Gods' auspicious Friend. 2 O Agni, thou, the best and earliest Angiras, fulfillest as a Sage the holy law of Gods. 3 To Matarisvan first thou, Agni, wast disclosed, and to Vivasvan through thy noble inward power. 4 Agni thou madest heaven to thunder for mankind; thou, yet more pious, for pious Pururavas. 5 Thou, Agni, art a Bull who makes our store increase, to be invoked by him who lifts the ladle up. 6 Agni, thou savest in the synod when pursued e'en him, farseeing One! who walks in evil ways. 7 For glory, Agni, day by day, thou liftest up the mortal man to highest immortality, 8 O Agni, highly lauded, make our singer famous that he may win us store of riches: 9 O blameless Agni lying in thy Parents' lap, a God among the Gods, be watchful for our good. 10 Agni, thou art our Providence, our Father thou − we are thy brethren and thou art our spring of life. in 11 Thee, Agni, have the Gods made the first living One for living man, Lord of the house of Nahusa. 12 Worthy to be revered, O Agni, God, preserve our wealthy patrons with thy succours, and ourselves. 13 Agni, thou art a guard close to the pious man; kindled art thou, four−eyed! for him who is unarmcd. 14 Thou, Agni gainest for the loudly−praising priest the highest wealth, the object of a man's desire. 15 Agni, the man who giveth guerdon to the priests, like well−sewn armour thou guardest on every side. 16 Pardon, we pray, this sin of ours, O Agni, −− the path which we have trodden, widely straying, 17 As erst to Manus, to Yayiti, Angiras, so Angiras! pure Agni! come thou to our hall 18 By this our prayer be thou, O Agni, strengthened, prayer made by us after our power and knowledge.

31 Brbu hath set himself above the Panis, o'er their highest head, 32 He whose good bounty, thousandfold, swift as the rushing of the wind, 33 So all our singers ever praise the pious Brbu's noble deed,

22 Drive down your chariot hitherward drink ye the Soma's savoury juice. 23 When sacrifice which tells our reverence hath begun. Heroes! to drink the gushing juice, 24 Sate you with consecrated drink, with juice effused, ye Deities.

2 Thou from his skin hast borne the head of the swift−moving combatant, 3 Venya, that mortal man, hast thou, for Astrabudhna the devout, 4 Bring, Indra, to the east again that Sun who now is in the west,

2 Bring him with reverence hither, most propitious in sacrifices, true to Law, the herald; 3 For he is mental power, a man, and perfect; he is the bringer, friend−,like, of the wondrous. 4 May Agni, foe−destroyer, manliest Hero, accept with love our hymns and our devotion. 5 Thus Agni Jatavedas, true to Order, hath by the priestly Gotamas been lauded.

2 Thus, Soma, watchful, bearing well, cheering the Gods, flow past the sieve, 3 Excellent Pavamana, make the lights shine brightly out for us. 4 He, beautified by pious men, and coming from their hands adorned, 5 May Soma pour all treasures of the heavens, the earth, the firmament 6 Thou mountest to the height of heaven, O Soma, seeking steeds and kine,

2 Thine is the juice effused, thine are the juices yet to be pressed: our resonant songs invite thee. 3 Whoso, devoted to the God, effuses Soma for him with yearning heart and spirit,− 4 He looks with Ioving favour on the mortal who, like a rich man, pours for him the Soma. 5 We call on thee to come to us, desirous of goods and spoil, of cattle, and of horses.

2 May Narasamsa lighting up the chambers, bright in his majesty through threefold heaven, 3 Adored in heart, as is thy right, O Agni, serve the Gods first to−day before the mortal. 4 O Grass divine, increasing, rich in heroes, strewn for wealth' sake, well laid upon this altar,− 5 Wide be the Doors, the Goddesses, thrown open, easy to pass, invoked, through adorations, 6 Good work for us, the glorious Night and Morning, like female weavers, waxen from aforetime, 7 Let the two heavenly Heralds, first, most wise, most fair, present oblation duly with the sacred verse, 8 Sarasvati who perfects our devotion, Ila divine, Bharati all surpassing,− 9 Born is the pious hero swift of hearing, like gold in hue, well formed, and full of vigour. 10 Vanaspati shall stand anear and start us, and Agni with his arts prepare oblation. 11 Oil has been mixt: oil is his habitation. In oil he rests: oil is his proper province. 2 Bhrgus who served him in the home of waters set him of old in houses of the living. 3 Among the tribes of men the Gods placed Agni as a dear Friend when they would dwell among them. 4 Sweet is his growth as of one's own possessions; his look when rushing fain to burn is lovely. 5 Since they who honour me have praised my greatness,−he gave, as 'twere, his hue to those who love hi 6 Like one athirst, he lighteth up the forests; like water down the chariot ways he roareth. 7 Around, consuming the broad earth, he wanders, free roaming like an ox without a herdsman,− 8 I, in remembrance of thine ancient favour have sung my hymn in this our third assembly. 9 May the Grtsamadas, serving in secret, through thee, O Agni, overcome their neighbours,

2 O'er all the region with their uniform advance these have spread out the lore that giveth heroes strength. 3 With pressing−stones and with the bright beams of the day he hurls his broadest bolt against the Guilefu 4 I, to enjoy the beauty of his form, behold that rapid rush of his as 'twere an axe's edge, 5 Four−faced and nobly clad, Varuna, urging on the pious to his task, stirs himself with the tongue.

be thou born in the heavens or born in floods, 29 Yea, all the people, all the folk who have good dwellings, each apart, 30 O Agni, so may we, devout, gazed at by men, throughout our days, 31 We venerate with cheerful hearts the cheerful Agni, dear to all, 32 So thou, O Agni rich in light, beaming like Surya with thy rays 33 We pray to thee for this thy gift, Victor the gift that faileth not,

2 For this his mighty deed is Visnu lauded, like some wild beast, dread, prowling, mountain−roaming; 3 Let the hymn lift itself as strength to Visnu, the Bull far−striding, dwelling on the mountains, 4 Him whose three places that are filled with sweetness, imperishable, joy as it may list them, 5 May I attain to that his well−loved mansion where men devoted to the Gods are happy. 6 Fain would we go unto your dwelling−places where there are many−horned and nimble oxen,

2 This might of theirs hath no one comprehended. True is the crushing word the sage hath uttered, 3 The Footless Maid precedeth footed creatures. Who marketh, Mitra−Varuna, this your doing? 4 We look on him the darling of the Maidens, always advancing, never falling downward, 5 Unbridled Courser, horn but not of horses, neighing he flieth on with back uplifted. 6 May the milch−kine who favour Mamateya prosper in this world him who loves devotion. 7 Gods, Mitra−Varuna, with love and worship, let me make you delight in this oblation.

2 The Everlasting Pair, with full streams, rich in milk, in their pure rule pour fatness for the pious man. 3 Whoso, for righteous life, pours offerings to you, O Heaven and Earth, ye Hemispheres, that man succe 4 Enclosed in fatness, Heaven and Earth are bright therewith: they mingle with the fatness which they still 5 May Heaven and Earth pour down the balmy rain for us, balm−dropping, yielding balm, with balm upo 6 May Heaven and Earth make food swell plenteously for us, all−knowing Father, jother, wondrous in the

2 King Soma first of all, without reluctance, made restitution of the Brahman's consort. 3 The man, her pledge, must by her hand be taken when they have cried, She is a Brahman's consort. 4 Thus spake of her those Gods of old, Seven Rsis who sate them down to their austere devotion: 5 The Brahmacari goes engaged in duty: he is a member of the Gods' own body. 6 So then the Gods restored her, so men gave the woman back again. 7 Having restored the Brahman's wife, and freed them, with Gods' aid, from sin,

2 Through piety they came to Indra for his aid, they whose libations give theejoy. 3 Agreeing in your spirit, all ye Deities, come nigh to us. 4 May Pusan, Visnu, and Sarasvati befriend, and the Seven Streams, this call of mine: 5 Indra, with thine own bounteous gift, most liberal of the Mighty Ones, 6 Leader of heroes, Lord of battle, lead thou us to combat, thou Most Sapient One. 7 Our hopes rest on the Faithful One: in Indra is the people's life. 8 Thee would we worship, Indra, with our songs of praise: O Satakratu, be thou ours.

2 At eve and morn thy pious servants bring thee their precious gifts, O Priest of many aspects, 3 Thou from of old hast dwelt among these people, by mental power the charioteer of blessings. 4 Agni, whoever secretly attacks us, the neighbour, thou with Mitra's might! who harms us, 5 He who serves thee with sacrifice and fuel, with hymn, O Son of Strength, and chanted praises, 6 Do this, O Agni, when we urge thee, quickly, triumphant in thy might subdue our foemen. 7 Help us, that we may gain this wish, O Agni, gain riches, Wealthy One! with store of heroes.

2 Who hath with prayer bowed to the Soma−lover? What pious man endues the beams of morning? 3 Who claims to−day the Deities' protection, asks Aditi for light, or the Adityas? 4 To him shall Agni Bharata give shelter: long shall he look upon the Sun up−rising, 5 Him neither few men overcome, nor many to him shall Aditi give spacious shelter. 6 This Hero curbs the mighty for the zealous: the presser's brew Indra possesses solely: 7 Not with the wealthy churl who pours no Soma doth Indra, Soma−drinker, bind alliance. 8 Highest and lowest, men who stand between diem, going, returning, dwelling in contentment,

2 All that is bare he covers o'er, all that is sick he medicines; 3 Thou, Soma, givest wide defence against the hate of alien men, 4 Thou by thine insight and thy skill, Impetuous One, from heaven and earth 5 When to their task they come with zeal, may they obtain the Giver's grace, 6 So may he find what erst was lost, so may be speed the pious man, 7 Gracious, displaying tender love, unconquered, gentle in thy thoughts, 8 O Soma, terrify us not; strike us not with alarm, O King: 9 When in my dwelling−place I see the wicked enemies of Gods,

1 O BRAMANASPATI, stand up: God−serving men we pray to thee. 2 O Son of Strength, each mortal calls to thee for aid when spoil of battle waits for him. 3 May Brahmanaspati draw nigh, may Sunrta the Goddess come, 4 He who bestows a noble guerdon on the priest wins fame that never shall decay. 5 Now Brahmanaspati speaks forth aloud the solemn hymn of praise, 6 May we in holy synods, Gods! recite that hymn, peerless, that brings felicity. 7 Who shall approach the pious? who the man whose sacred grass is trimmed? 8 He amplifies his lordly might, with kings he slays: e'en mid alarms he dwells secure

2 Lead us anew to happiness, O Agni; lead us beyond all danger and affliction. 3 Far from us, Agni, put thou all diseases let them strike lauds that have no saving Agni. 4 Preserve us, Agni, with perpetual succour, refulgent in the dwelling which thou lovest. 5 Give not us up a prey to sin, O Agni, the greedy enemy that brings us trouble; 6 Such as thou art, born after Law, O Agni when lauded give protection to our bodies, 7 Thou, well discerning both these classes, comest to men at early morn, O holy Agni. 8 To him have we addressed our pious speeches, I, Mana's son, to him victorious Agni.

1 NE'ER is he injured whom the Gods Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, 2 He prospers ever, free from scathe, whom they, as with full hands, enrich, 3 The Kings drive far away from him his troubles and his enemies, 4 Thornless, Adityas, is the path, easy for him who seeks the Law: 5 What sacrifice, Adityas, ye Heroes guide by the path direct,− 6 That mortal, ever unsubdued, gains wealth and every precious thing, 7 How, my friends, shall we prepare Aryaman's and Mitra's laud, 8 I point not out to you a man who strikes the pious, or reviles: 9 Let him not love to speak ill words: but fear the One who holds all four

2 O Agni, graciously accept this song of mine, thou passing−wise who knowest every ordinance. 3 Immortal, wandering round the seven stations, give, a liberal Giver, to the pious worshipper, 4 The seven who bring oblations worship thee, the Strong, the first, the Great Chief Priest, Ensign of 5 First messenger art thou, meet for election: drink thou thy fill invited to the Anirta, 6 Milking the teeming Cow for all−sustaining food. O Wise One, for the worship−loving worshipper, 7 They who at flushing of this dawn appointed thee their messenger, these men have paid thee reverence. 8 Arrangers in our synods, Agni, while they sang Vasisistha s sons have called thee down, the Potent One

2 Forth come your viands rich with store of pleasant meath, and cars and horses at the flushing of the daw 3 Drink of the meath with lips accustomed to the draught; harness for the meath's sake the chariot that ye 4 The swans ye have are friendly, rich in store of mcath, gold−pinioned, strong to draw, awake at early m 5 Well knowing solemn rites and rich in meath, the fires sing to the morning Asvins at the break of day, 6 The rays advancing nigh, chasing with day the gloom, spread through the firmament bright radiance like 7 Devout in thought I have declared, O Asvins, your chariot with good steeds, which lasts for ever,

2 I cherish and sustain high−swelling Soma, and Tvastar I support, Pusan, and Bhaga. 3 I am the Queen, the gatherer−up of treasures, most thoughtful, first of those who merit worship. 4 Through me alone all eat the food that feeds them,−each man who sees, brewhes, hears the word outspo 5 1, verily, myself announce and utter the word that Gods and men alike shall welcome. 6 I bend the bow for Rudra that his arrow may strike and slay the hater of devotion. 7 On the world's summit I bring forth the Father: my home is in the waters, in the ocean. 8 I breathe a strong breath like the wind and tempest, the while I hold together all existence.

1 COME, Indra, and delight thee with the juice at all the Soma feasts, 2 To Indra pour ye forth thejuice, the active gladdening juice to him 3 O Lord of all men, fair of cheek, rejoice thee in the gladdening lauds, 4 Songs have outpoured themselves to thee, Indra, the strong, the guardian Lord, 5 Send to us bounty manifold, O Indra, worthy of' our wish, 6 O Indra, stimulate thereto us emulously fain for wealth, 7 Give, Indra, wide and lofty fame, wealthy in cattle and in strength, 8 Grant us high fame, O Indra, grant riches bestowing thousands, those 9 Praising with songs the praise−worthy who cometh to our aid, we call 10 To lofty Indra, dweller by each libation, the pious man

2 This, Mitra−Varuna, is your special greatness: floods that stood there they with the days attracted. 3 O Mitra−Varuna, ye by your greatness, both Kings, have firmly stablished earth and heaven, 4 Let your well−harnessed horses bear you hither: hitherward let them come with reins drawn tightly. 5 To make the lustre wider and more famous, guarding the sacred grass with veneration, 6 With hands that shed no blood, guarding the pious, whom, Varuni3, ye save amid oblations. 7 Adorned with gold, its columns are of iron. in heaven it glitters like a whip for horses; 8 Ye mount your car gold−hued at break of morning, and iron−pillared when the Sun is setting, 9 Bountiful guardians of the world! the shelter that is impenetrable, strongest, flawless,

2 Thy greatness reacheth to our invocation, the sages' prayer which, Potent God, thou guardest. 3 What time thou drewest both world−halves together, like heroes led by thee who call each other− 4 Honour us in these present days, O Indra, for hostile men are making expiation. 5 We will address this liberal Lord, this Indra, that he may grant us gifts of ample riches, 2 Come to us quickly with thy Bay Steeds, Hero, come to our prayer, accepting our devotion. 3 What satisfaction do our hymns afford thee? When, Maghavan? Now let us do thee service. 4 They, verily, were also human beings whom thou wast wont to hear, those earlier sages. 5 We will address this liberal Lord, this Indra, that he may grant us gifts of ample riches,

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.

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 Ask of the sages' mighty generations firm−minded and devout they framed the heaven. 3 Assuming in this world mysterious natures, they decked the heaven and earth for high dominion, 4 Even as he mounted up they all adorned him: self−luminous he travels clothed in splendour. 5 First the more ancient Bull engendered offspring; these are his many draughts that lent him vigour. 6 Three seats ye Sovrans, in the Holy synod, many, yea, all, ye honour with your presence. 7 That same companionship of her, the Milch−cow, here with the strong Bull's divers forms they stablishe 8 Let no one here debar me from enjoying the golden light which Savitar diffuses. 9 Fulfil, ye twain, his work, the Great, the Ancient: as heavenly blessing keep your guard around us. 10 Call we on Indra, Maghavan, auspicious, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered,

2 She in whose bosom all the Gods, and Sun and Moon for men to see, 3 This all the pious sing to us, and sacred poets evermore: 4 Here is the Soma ready pressed of this the Maruts drink, of this 5 Of this, moreover, purified, set in three places, procreant, 6 And Indra, like the Herald Priest, desirous of the milky juice, 7 When have the Princes gleamed and shone through waters as through troops of foes'? 8 What favour do I claim this day of you 9 1 call, to drink the Soma, those Maruts who spread all realms of earth 10 You, even such, pure in your might, you, O ye Maruts, I invoke 11 The Maruts, those who have sustained and propped the heavens and earth apart, 12 That vigorous band of Maruts that abidetb in the mountains, I

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 Him, Maker of the sky, let stones wet with the Soma ne'er forsake, 3 Indra who knew full well disclosed the kine to the Angirases. 4 Indra, promoter of the song, the sage's Strengthener as of old, 5 Now after their desire's intent the pious singers with the cry 6 With Indra rest all deeds of might, deeds done and yet to be performed, 7 When the Five Tribes with all their men to Indra have sent out their voice, 8 This praise is verily thine own: thou hast performed these manly deeds, 9 At the o'erflowing of this Steer, boldly he strode for life, and took 10 Receiving this and craving help, we, who with you are Daksa's sons, 11 Yea, Hero, with the singers we sing.to the duly−coming Band. 12 With us are raining Rudras, clouds accordant in call to battle, at the death of Vrtra,

2 If in the effluence of heaven, rich in its light, thou takest joy, 3 With songs I call thee, Great and Wide, even as a cow to profit us, 4 Hither, O Indra, let thy Bays bear up and, bring upon thy car 5 Thou, Indra, wouldst be sung and praised as great, strong, lordly in thy deeds 6 We who have shed the Soma and prepared the feast are calling thee. 7 As, Indra, thou art evermore the common Lord of all alike, 8 The men with stones have milked for thee this nectar of the Soma juice: 9 Neglect all pious men with skill in sacred song: come hitherward, 10 Gods, may the mighty rest unharmed, the King who gives me spotted kine, 11 Beside a thousand spotted kine I have received a gift of gold, 12 Durgaha's grandsons, giving me a thousand kine, munificent,

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.

2 Here magnify his great heroic exploits, most glorious One, enriching men with bounties, 3 Hither let Indra come from earth or heaven, hither with speech from firmament or ocean; 4 That Indra will we laud in our assemblies, him who is Lord of great and lasting riches, 5 May the Priest, Lord of many blessings, striving,−who fixing reverence on reverence, giving 6 When sitting pondering in deep devotion in Ausija's abode they ply the press−stone, 7 Surely the power of Bharvara the mighty for ever helpeth to support the singer; 8 When he unbars the spaces of the mountains, and quickens with his floods the water−torrents, 9 Auspicious are thy hands, thine arms wellfashioned which proffer bounty, Indra, to thy praiser. 10 So Indra is the truthful Lord of treasure. Freedom he gave to man by slaying Vrtra. 11 Now, Indra! lauded, glorified with praises, let power swell high, like rivers, for,the singer.

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 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 AGNI and Soma, mighty Pair, graciously hearken to my call, A 2 The man who honours you to−day, Agni and Soma, with this h 3 The man who offers holy oil and burnt oblations unto you, 4 Agni and Soma, famed is that your. prowess wherewith ye stole the kine, his food, from Pani. 5 Agni and Soma, joined in operation ye have set up the shining lights in heaven. 6 One of you Mitarisvan brought from heaven, the Falcon rent the other from the mountain. 7 Taste, Agni, Soma, this prepared oblation; accept it, Mighty Ones, and let it please you. 8 Whoso with oil and poured oblation honours, with God−devoted heart, Agni and Soma,− 9 Invoked together, mates in wealth, AgniSoma, accept our hymns: 10 Agni and Soma, unto him who worships you with holy oil 11 Agni and Sonia, be ye pleased with these oblations brought to you, 12 Agni and Soma, cherish well our horses, and let our cows be fat who yield oblations.

2 For worship of the Gods the Priest was wakened: at morning gracious Agni hath arisen. 3 When he hath stirred the line of his attendants, with the pure milk pure Agni is anointed. 4 The spirits of the pious turn together to Agni, as the eyes of all to Surya. 5 The noble One was born at days' beginning, laid red in colour mid the well−laid fuel. 6 Agni hath sat him down, a Priest most skilful, on a sweet−smelling place, his Mother's bosom. 7 This Singer excellent at sacrifices, Agni the Priest, they glorify with homage. 9 Thou quickly passest by all others, Agni, for him to whom thou hast appeared most lovely, 10 To thee, Most Youthful God! to thee, O Agni from near and far the people bring their tribute. 11 Ascend to−day thy splendid car, O Agni, in splendour, with the Holy Ones around it. 12 To him adorable, sage, strong and mighty we have sung forth our song of praise and homage.

2 To him the Bounteous say the laud, and let us glorify, as men May do, the Giver of true gifts. 3 O Indra, Lord of boundless might, for us thou winnest strength and kine, 4 Faithful to thee we loudly sing, heroic Indra, songs to thee: Mark, O Good Lord, this act of ours. 5 Give us not up to man's reproach, to foeman's hateful calumny: In thee alone is all my strength. 6 Thou art mine ample coat of mail, my Champion, Vrtra−Slayer, thou: 7 Yea, great art thou whose conquering might two independent Powers confess. 8 So let the voice surround thee, which attends the Maruts on their way, 9 Let the ascending drops attain to thee, the Wondrous God, in heaven: 10 Bring to the Wise, the Great, who waxeth mighty, your offerings, and make ready your devotion; 11 For Indra, the sublime, the far−pervading, have singers generated prayer and praises: 12 The choirs have stablished Indra King for ever, for victory, him whose anger is resistless:

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 As Priest thou sattest at the seat of worship, furthering us, best Offerer, meet for honour. 3 In thee, still watching, they have followed riches, who goest with much wealth as with an army, 4 They who approached the God's abode with homage, eager for glory, won them perfect glory: 5 On earth the people magnify thee greatly, thee their celestial and terrestrial riches. 6 Dear priest among mankind, adorable Agni hath seated him, joy−giver, skilled in worship. 7 Longing for bliss, pure−minded, God−devoted, Agni, we seek thee, such, meet to be lauded. 8 Sage of mankind, all peoples' Lord and Master, the Bull of men, the sender down of blessings, 9 Agni, the mortal who hath toiled and worshipped, brought thee oblations with his kindled fuel, 10 Mightily let us worship thee the Mighty, with reverence, Agni! fuel and oblations, 11 Thou who hast covered heaven and earth with splendour and with thy glories, glorious and triumphant. 12 Vouchsafe us ever, as man needs, O Vasu, abundant wealth of kine for son and offspring. 13 May I obtain much wealth in many places by love of thee and through thy grace, King Agni;

2 They laud thee in their solemn rites, Agni, as Minister and Priest, 3 He, verily, who honours thee with fuel, Knower of all life, 4 Ensign of sacrifices, he, Agni, with Gods is come to us, 5 ToAgni, the Invoking Priest, offer your best, your lofty speech, 6 Let these our hymns make Agni grow, whence, meet for laud, he springs to life, 7 Best Sacrificer, bring the Gods, O Agni, to the pious man: 8 As such, O Purifier, shine on us heroic glorious might: 9 So, wakeful, versed in sacred hymns, the holy singers kindly thee. 2 Oblation−bearer, deathless, well inclined, an eager messenger, 3 Ensign of sacrifice from of old, Agni well knoweth with his thought 4 Agni, illustrious from old time, the Son of Strength who knows all life, 5 Infallible is Agni, he who goes before the tribes of men, 6 Strength of the Gods which none may harm, subduing all his enemies, 7 By offering sacred food to him the mortal worshipper obtains. 8 From Agni, by our hymns, may we gain all things that bring happiness, 9 O Agni, in our deeds of might may we obtain all precious things:

2 Let the Bull sing with Bulls whose toil is worship, with a loud roar like some wild beast that hungers. 3 May the Priest come circling the measured stations, and with him bring the earth's autumnal fruitage. 4 To him we offer welcomest oblations, the pious bring their strength−inspiring praises. 5 Praise thou that Indra who is truly mighty, the car−borne Warrior, Maghavan the Hero; 6 Him who surpasses heroes in his greatness: the earth and heavens suffice not for his girdles. 7 Thee, Hero, guardian of the brave in battles, who roamest in the van,−to draw thee hither, 8 Libations in the sea to thee are pleasant, when thy divine Floods come to cheer these people. 9 So may we in this One be well befriended, well aided as it were through praise of chieftains, 10 Like men in rivalry extolling princes, our Friend be Indra, wielder of the thunder. 11 For every sacrifice makes Indra stronger, yea, when he goes around angry in spirit; 12 Let us not here contend with Gods, O Indra, for here, O Mighty One, is thine own portion, 13 Addressed to thee is this our praise, O Indra: Lord of Bay Steeds, find us hereby advancement.

2 So with thy joyous tongues for us sacrifice nobly in this rite. 3 For well, O God, Disposer, thou knowest, straight on, the paths and ways, 4 Thee, too, hath Bharata of old, with mighty men, implored for bliss. 5 Thou givest these abundant boons to Divodasa pouring forth, 6 Do thou, Immortal Messenger, bring hither the Celestial Folk; 7 Mortals with pious thought implore thee, Agni, God, at holy rites, 8 I glorify thine aspect and the might of thee the Bountilul. 9 Invoker placed by Manus, thou, Agni, art near, the wisest Priest: 10 Come, Agni, lauded, to the feast; come to the offering of the gifts. 11 So, Angiras, we make thee strong with fuel and with holy oil. 12 For us thou winnest, Agni, God, heroic strength exceeding great, 13 Agni, Atharvan brought thee forth, by rubbing, from the lotus−flower, 14 Thee. Vrtra's slayer, breaker down of castles, hath Atharvan's son, 15 The hero Pathya kindled thee the Dasyus'. most destructive foe, 16 Come, here, O Agni, will I sing verily other songs to thee, 17 Where'er tby mind applies itself, vigour preeminent bast thou: 18 Not for a moment only lasts thy bounty, good to many a one!

2 As God comprising Gods by Law Eternal, bear, as the Chief who knoweth, our oblation, 3 When the cow's nectar wins the God completely, men here below are heaven's sustainers. 4 1 praise your work that ye may make me prosper: hear, Heaven and Earth, Twain Worlds that drop with 5 Hath the King siezed us? How have we offended against his holy ordinance? Who knoweth? 6 'Tis hard to understand the Immortal's nature, where she who is akin becomes astranger. 7 They in the synod where the Gods rejoice them, where they are seated in Vivasvan's dwelling, 8 The counsel which the Gods meet to consider, their secret plan,−of that we have no knowledge. 9 Hear us, O Agni, in your comninn dwell ing: harness thy rapid car, the car of Amrta. 2 When speeding ye came nigh us like twin sisters, religious−hearted votaries brought you forward. 3 Five paces have I risen from Earth. I follow her who hath four feet with devout observance. 4 He, for God's sake, chose death to be his portion. He chose not, for men's good, a life eternal 5 The Seven flow to the Youth on whom the Maruts wait: the Sons unto the Father brought the sacrifice.

1 To this fair sacrifice to drink the milky draught thou art invoked: 2 No mortal man, no God exceeds thy mental power, O Mighty one − 3 All Gods devoid of guile, who know the mighty region of mid−air: 4 The terrible, who sing their song, not to be overcome by might: 5 Brilliant, and awful in their form, mighty, devourers of their foes': 6 Who sit as Deities in heaven, above the sky−vault's luminous sphere: 7 Who scatter clouds about the sky, away over the billowy sea: 8 Who with their bright beams spread them forth over the ocean in their might 9 For thee, to be thine early draught, I pour the Soma−mingled meath: 1 FOR the Celestial Race this song of praise which gives wealth lavishly 2 They who for Indra, with their mind, formed horses harnessed by a word, 3 They for the two Nasatyas wrought a light car moving every way: 4 The Rbhus with effectual prayers, honest, with constant labour, made 5 Together came your gladdening drops with Indra by the Maruts girt, 6 The sacrificial ladle, wrought newly by the God Tvastar's hand− 7 Vouchsafe us wealth, to him who pours thrice seven libations, yea, to each 8 As ministering Priests they held, by pious acts they won themselves,

4 Two arms−the Soma's dexterous immo. lators−and the ten fingers set and fix the press−stone. 5 The Soma hath been pressed for thee, its lover, to give thee power and might and high enjoyment. 6 Bring by God−traversed paths, accordant, Agni, the great Aramati, Celestial Lady, 7 As on his father's lap the son, the darling, so on the fire is set the sacred caldron, 8 Hither, as herald to invite the Asvins, come the great lofty song, most sweet and pleasant! 9 I have declared this speech of adoration to mightiest Pusan and victorious Vayu, 10 Invoked by us bring hither, jatavedas the Maruts all under their names and figures. 11 From high heaven may Sarasvati the Holy visit our sacrifice, and from the mountain. 12 Set in his seat the God whose back is dusky, Brhaspati the lofty, the Disposer. 13 May the Sustainer, high in heaven, come hither, the Bounteous One, invoked, with all his favours, 14 The tuneful eloquent priests of him who liveth have sought the Mother's bright and loftiest station. 15 Agni, great vital power is thine, the mighty: pairs waxing old in their devotion seek thee. 16 Gods, may we dwell in free untroubled bliss. 17 May we obtain the Asvins' newest favour, and gain their health−bestowing happy guidance.

2 Rejoicing in his friendship, let the priest be seated over man, 3 Him, glowing bright beyond all thought, they seek among the race of man; 4 He hath inflamed the twofold plain: lifegiving, he hath climbed the wood, 5 Wandering here the radiant Calf finds none to fetter him, and seeks 6 And now that great and mighty team, the team of horses that are his, 7 The seven milk a single cow; the two set other five to work, 8 Entreated by Vivasvan's ten, Indra cast down the water−jar 9 Three times the newIy−kindled flame proceeds around the sacrifice: 10 With reverence they drain the fount that circles with its wheel above, 11 The pressing−stones are set at work: the meath is poured into the tank, 12 Ye cows, protect the fount: the two Mighty Ones bless the sacrifice. 13 Pour on the juice the ornament which reaches both the heaven and earth 14 These know their own abiding−place: like calves beside the mother cows 15 Devouring in their greedy jaws, they make sustaining food in heaven, 16 The Pious One milked out rich food, sustenance dealt in portions seven, 17 I took some Soma when the Sun rose up, O Mitra, Varuna. 18 From where oblations must be laid, which is the Well−beloved's home,

2 Supreme in sovran power, far−sighted, Chiefs and Kings, most swift to hear from far away, 3 The rapid messenger who runs before you, Mitra−Varuna, with iron head, swift to the draught, 4 He whom no man may question, none may summon back, who stands not still for colloquy,− 5 To Aryaman and Mitra sing a reverent song, O pious one, 6 The true, Red Treasure they have sent, one only Son born of the Three. 7 My songs are lifted up, and acts most splendid are to be performed. 8 Lords of great wealth, when we invoke your bounty which no demon checks, 9 Come, Vayu, drawn by fair hymns, to our sacrifice that reaches heaven. 10 He comes by straightest paths, as ministering Priest, to taste the sacrificial gifts. 11 Verily, Surya, thou art great; truly, Aditya, thou art great. 12 Yea, Surya, thou art great in fame thou evermore, O God, art great. 13 She yonder, bending lowly down, clothed in red hues and rich in rays, 14 Past and gone are three mortal generations: the fourth and last into the Sun hath entered. 15 The Rudras' Mother, Daughter of the Vasus, centre of nectar, the Adityas' Sister− 16 Weak−minded men have as a cow adopted me who came hither from the Gods, a Goddess,

2 Sakra protects from woe the man who gives him sacrificial cake. 3 His chariot shall be glorious, sped by Gods, and mighty shall he be, 4 Each day that passes, in his house flows his libation, rich in milk, 5 O Gods, with constant draught of milk, husband and wife with one accord 6 They gain sufficient food: they come united to the sacred grass, 7 Never do they deny or seek to hide the favour of the Gods: 8 With sons and daughters by their side they reach their full extent of life, 9 Serving the Immortal One with gifts of sacrificial meal and wealth, 10 We claim protection from the Hills, we claim protection of the Floods, 11 May Pusan come, and Bhaga, Lord of wealth, All−bounteous, for our weal 12 Aramati, and, free from foes, Visva with spirit of a God, 13 Seeing that Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuna are guarding us, 14 I glorify with song, for wealth, Agni the God, the first of you. 15 As in all frays the hero, so swift moves his car whom Gods attend. 16 Ne'er are ye injured, worshipper, presser of juice, or pious man. 17 None in his action equals him, none holds him far or keeps him off. 18 Such strength of heroes shall be his, such mastery of fleet−foot steeds.

2 Yama first found for us a place to dwell in: this pasture never can be taken from 3 Mitali prospers there with Kavyas, Yama with Angiras' sons, Brhaspati with Rkvans: 4 Come, seat thee on this bed of grass, O Yama, in company with Angirases and Fathers. 5 Come, Yama, with the Angirases the Holy, rejoice thee here with children of Virupa. 6 Our Fathers are Angirases, Navagvas, Atharvans, Bhrgus who deserve the Soma. 7 Go forth, go forth upon the ancient pathways whereon our sires of old have gone before us. 8 Meet Yama, meet the Fathers, meet the merit of free or ordered acts, in highest heaven. 9 Go hence, depart ye, fly in all directions: this place for him the Fathers have provided. 10 Run and outspeed the two dogs, Sarama's offspring, brindled, four−eyed, upon thy happy pathway. 11 And those two dogs of thine, Yama, the watchers, four−eyed, who look on men and guard the pathway 12 Dark−hued, insatiate, with distended nostrils, Yama's two envoys roam among the People; 13 To Yama pour the Soma, bring to Yama consecrated gifts: 14 Offer to Yama holy gifts enriched with butter, and draw near: 15 Offer to Yama, to the King, oblation very rich in meath: 16 Into the six Expanses flies the Great One in Trkadru

2 From mortal men they hid the Immortal Lady, made one like her and gave her to Vivasvan. 3 Guard of the world, whose cattle ne'er are injured, may Pusan bear thee hence, for he hath knowledge. 4 May Ayu, giver of all life, protect thee, and bear thee forward on the distant pathway. 5 Pusan knows all these realms: may he conduct us by ways that are most free from fear and danger. 6 Pusan was born to move on distant pathways, on the road far from earth and far from heaven. 7 The pious call Sarasvati, they worship Sarasvati while sacrifice proceedeth. 8 Sarasvati, who camest with the Fathers, with them rejoicing thee in our oblations, 9 Thou, called on as Sarasvati by Fathers who come right forward to our solemn service, 10 The Mother Floods shall make us bright and shining, cleansers of holy oil, with oil shall cleanse us: 11 Through days of earliest date the Drop descended on this place and on that which was before it. 12 The Drop that falls, thy stalk which arms have shaken, which from the bosom of the press hath fallen, 13 That fallen Drop of thine, the stalk which from the ladle fell away, 14 The plants of earth are rich in milk, and rich in milk is this my speech;

19 Agni, the Bharata, hath been sought, the Vrtra−slayer, marked of all, 20 For he gave riches that surpass in greatness all the things of earth, 21 Thou, Agni, as in days of old, with recent glory, gathered light, 22 Bring to your Agni, O my friends, boldly your laud and sacrifice: 23 For as sagacious Herald he hath sat through every age of man, 24 Bring those Two Kings whose ways are pure, Adityas, and the Marut host, 25 For strong and active mortal man, excellent, Agni, is the look Of thee Immortal, Son of Strength 26 Rich through his wisdom, noblest be the giver serving thee to−day: 27 These, Agni, these are helped by thee, who strong and active all their lives, 28 May Agni with his pointed blaze cast down each fierce devouring fiend 29 O active Jatavedas, bring riches with store of hero sons: 30 Keep us, O Jatavedas, from the troubling of the man of sin: 31 Whatever sinner, Agni, brings oblations to procure our death, 32 Drive from us with thy tongue, O God, the man who doeth evil deeds, 33 Give shelter reaching far and wide to Bharadvaja, conquering Lord! 34 May Agni slay the Vrtras,−fain for riches, through the lord of song, 35 His Father's Father, shining in his Mother's everlasting side, 36 O active Jatavedas, bring devotion that wins progeny, Agni, that it may shine to heaven.

2 Adhvaryus, he ye ready with oblations,, and come with longing to the longing Waters, 3 Go to the reservoir, O ye Adhvaryus worship the Waters' Child with your oblations. 4 He who shines bright in floods, unfed with fuel, whom sages worship at their sacrifices: 5 Those in which Soma joys and is delighted, as a young man with fair and pleasant damsels. 6 So maidens bow before the youthful gallant who comes with love to them who yearn to meet him. 7 He who made room for you when fast imprisoned, who freed you from the mighty imprecation,− 8 Send forth to him the meath−rich wave, O Rivers, which is your offspring and a well of sweetness, 9 Send forth the rapture−giving wave, O Rivers, which Indra drinks, which sets the Twain in motion; 10 These winding Streams which with their double current, like cattle−raiders, seek the lower pastures,− 11 Send forth our sacrifice with holy worship send forth the hymn and prayer for gain of riches. 12 For, wealthy Waters, ye control all treasures: ye bring auspicious intellect and Amrta. 13 When I behold the Waters coming hither, carrying with them milk and mcath and butter, 14 Rich, they are come with wealth for living beings, O friends, Adhvaryus, seat them in their places. 15 Now to this grass are come the longing Waters: the Pious Ones are seated at our worsh

1 Come, fain for booty let us seek to Indra: yet more shall he increase his care that guides us. 2 I fly to him invisible Wealth−giver as flies the falcon to his cherished eyrie, 3 Mid all his host, he bindeth on the quiver he driveth cattle from what foe he pleaseth: 4 Thou slewest with thy bolt the wealthy Dasyu, alone, yet going with thy helpers, Indra! 5 Fighting with pious worshippers, the riteless turned and fled, Indra! with averted faces. 6 They met in fight the army of the blameless. then the Navagvas put forth all their power. 7 Whether they weep or laugh, thou hast o'erthrown them, O Indra, on the sky's extremest limit. 8 Adorned with their array of gold and jewels, they o'er the earth a covering veil extended. 9 As thou enjoyest heaven and earth, O Indra, on every side surrounded with thy greatness, 10 They who pervaded earth's extremest limit subdued not with their charms the Wealth−bestower: 11 The waters flowed according to their nature; he raid the navigable streams waxed mighty. 12 Indra broke through Ilibisa's strong castles, and Suspa with his horn he cut to pieces: 13 Fierce on his enemies fell Indra's weapon: with. his sharp bull he rent their forts in pieces. 14 Indra, thou helpest Kutsa whom thou lovedst, and guardedst brave Dagadyu when he battled, 15 Svitra's mild steer, O Maghavan thou helpest in combat for the land, mid Tugra's houses.