Rig Veda on The Divine

3 How dost thou decorate our hymn, O Agni? What power dost thou exert when thou art lauded? 4 Far famed is this the Bharata's own Agni he shineth like the Sun with lofty splendour. 5 Full many oblations are in thee collected: with all thine aspects thou hast waxen gracious. 6 Be this my song, that winneth countless treasure, engendered with redoubled force for Agni, 7 We, the Vasisthas, now implore thee, Agni, O Son of Strength, the Lord of wealth and riches.

2 I sit as Priest most skilled in sacrificing: the Maruts and all Deities impel me. 3 Who is the Priest? Is he the Priest of Yama? On whom is thrust this God−appointed honour? 4 The Gods have made me bearer of oblations, who slipped away and passed through many troubles. 5 So will I win you strength and life for ever. O Gods, that I may give you room and freedom. 6 The Deities three hundred and thirty−nine, have served and honoured Agni,

2 O thou who castest forth the stones crushing the sorceresses' heads, 3 Do thou, O Maghavan, beat off these sorceresses' daring strength. 4 Of whom thou hast ere now destroyed thrice−fifty with thy fierce attacks. 5 O Indra, crush and bray to bits the fearful fiery−weaponed fiend: 6 Tear down the mighty ones. O Indra, hear thou us. For heaven hath glowed like earth in fear, O 7 The pourer of libations gains the home of wealth, pouring his gift conciliates hostilities, yea, the hostiliti

2 Thou art our guileless, most delightful Herald, the God, among mankind, of holy synods. 3 For even the blessed longing that is in thee would bring the Gods down to the singer's worship, 4 Bright hath he beamed, the wise, the far−refulgent. Worship the two widespreading Worlds, O Agni, 5 When I with reverence clip the grass for Agni, when the trimmed ladle, fullof oil, is lifted, 6 Enrich us, O thou Priest of many aspects, with the Gods, Agni, with thy fires, enkindled.

2 They who like kindled flames of fire are glowing,. the Maruts, twice and thrice have waxen mighty. 3 They who are Sons of the rain−pouring Rudra, whom the long−lasting One had power to foster: 4 They shrink not from the birth; in this same manner still resting there they purge away reproaches. 5 Even those who bear the brave bold name of Maruts, whom not the active quickly wins for milking. 6 When, strong in strength and armed with potent weapons, they had united wellformed earth and heaven, 7 No team of goats shall draw your car, O Maruts, no horse no charioteer be he who drives it. 8 None may obstruct, none overtake, O Maruts, him whom ye succour in the strife of battle 9 Bring a bright hymn to praise the band of Maruts, the Singers, rapid, strong in native vigour, 10 Bright like the flashing flames of sacrifices, like tongues of fire impetuous in their onset, 11 That swelling band I call with invocation, the brood of Rudra, armed with glittering lances. 2 To you Two Gods is this my thought extended, turned to the sacred grass with loving homage. 3 Come hither, Mitra−Varuna, invited with eulogies and loving adoration, 4 Whom, of pure origin, like two strong horses, Aditi bore as babes in proper season, 5 As all the Gods in their great joy and gladness gave you with one accord your high dominion, 6 So, through the days maintaining princely power. ye prop the height as 'twere from loftiest heaven. 7 Take the strong drink, to quaff till ye are sated, when he and his attendants fill the chamber. 8 So with your tongue come ever, when your envoy, faithful and very wise, attends our worship. 9 When, Mitra−Varuna, they strive against you and break tlie friendly laws ye have established, 10 When singers in their song uplift their voices, some chant the Nivid texts with steady purpose. 11 O Mitra−Varuna, may your large bounty come to us hither, near to this our dwelling,

2 With strength we follow through the sieve him who brings might and wins the kine, 3 Pour on the sieve the Soma, ne'er subdued in waters, waterless, 4 Moved by the purifier's thought, the Soma flows into the sieve: 5 With humble homage, Indra, have the Soma−drops flowed forth to thee, 6 Purified in his fleecy garb, attaining every beauty, he 7 Swelling, as 'twere, to heights of heaven, the stream of the creative juice 8 Thus, Soma, purifying himwho knoweth song mid living men,

2 Then Will I, when I lead my friends to battle against the radiant persons of the godless, 3 I know not him who sayeth and declareth that he hath slain the godless in the battle. 4 While yet my deeds of might were unrecorded, all passed for Maghavans though I existed. 5 None hinder me in mine heroic exploits, no, not the mountains when I will and purpose. 6 To see the Indraless oblation−drinkers, mean offerers, o'ertaken by destruction! 7 Thou wast, thou grewest to full vital vigour: an earlier saw, a later one shall see thee. 8 The freed kine eat the barley of the pious. 1 saw them as they wandered with the herdsman. 9 When we who cat the grass of men are gathered I am with barley−eaters in the corn−land. 10 There wilt thou hold as true my spoken purpose, to bring together quadrupeds. and bipeds. 11 When a man's daughter hath been ever eyeless, who, knowing, will be wroth with her for blindness? 12 How many a maid is pleasing to the suitor who fain would marry for her splendid riches? 13 His feet have grasped: he eats the man who meets him. Around his head he sets the head for shelter. 14 High, leafless, shadowless, and swift is Heaven: the Mother stands, the Youngling, loosed, is feeding. 15 Seven heroes from the nether part ascended, and from the upper part came eight together. 16 One of the ten, the tawny, shared in common, they send to execute their final purpose. 17 The Heroes dressed with fire the fatted wether: the dice were thrown by way of sport and gaming. 18 Crying aloud they ran in all directions: One half of them will cook, and not the other. 19 I saw a troop advancing from the distance moved, not by wheels but their own God−like nature. 20 These my two Bulls, even Pramara's, are harnessed: drive them not far; here let them often linger. 21 This is the thunderbolt which often whirleth down from the lofty misty realm of Surya.

23 When he goes forth, ye Pair of Kings, for booty, speeding to war and praise to please the singer,− 24 Now for this noble man's support and comfort, singing with easy voice we thus implore thee: 25 If, for our strength, the priest with adoration to win your friendship made the laud accepted, 26 Glorified thus, with holy hymns and homage:−Of noble race, with Waters, God−attended 27 Be to us, then, ye Gods who merit worship, be ye of one accord our strong protection,

1 ONE−MINDED, wise, they tracked thee like a thief lurking in dark cave with a stolen cow: 2 The Gods approached the ways of holy Law; there was a gathering vast as heaven itself. 3 Like grateful food, like some wide dwelling place, like a fruit−bearing hill, a wholesome stream. 4 Kin as a brother to his sister floods, he cats the woods as a King eats the rich. 5 Like a swan sitting in the floods he pants wisest in mind mid men he wakes at morn.

2 Who will be gracious? Who will come most uickly of all the Gods? Who will 3 So many days do ye come swiftly hither, as Indra to give help in stress of battle. 4 What is the prayer that we should bring you, Asvins, whereby ye come to us when invocated? 5 In the wide space your chariot reacheth heaven, what time it turneth hither from the ocean. 6 Let Sindhu with his wave bedew your horses: in fiery glow have the red birds come hither.

2 Indra, whatever aids be thine, four be they, or, O Hero, three, 3 The aid most excellent of thee the Mightiest hitherward we call, 4 Mighty to prosper us wast thou born, and mighty is the strength thou hast. 5 O Satakratu, Lord of Strength, O Indra, Caster of the Stone. 6 For, Mightiest Vrtra−slayer, thee, fierce, foremost among many, folk 7 Indra, do thou protect our car that mingles foremost in the fights, 8 Come to us, Indra, and protect our car with thine intelligence.

2 We see that thou art good: far shines thy lustre; thy beams, thy splendours have flown up to heaven. 3 Red are the kine and luminous that bear her the Blessed One who spreadeth through the distance. 4 Thy ways are easy on the hills: thou passest Invincible! Se1f−luminous! through waters. 5 Dawn, bring me wealth: untroubled, with thine oxen thou bearest riches at thy will and pleasure; 6 As the birds fly forth from their restingplaces, so men with store of food rise at thy dawning.

2 Indra who quells the curse blew curses far away, and then in splendour came to us. 3 Sing to your lofty Indra, sing, Maruts, a holy hymn of praise. 4 Aim and fetch boldly forth, O thou whose heart is bold: great glory will be thine thereby. 5 When thou, unequalled Maghavan, wast born to smite the Vrtras dead, 6 Theri was the sacrifice produced for thee, the laud, and song of joy, 7 Raw kine thou filledst with ripe milk. Thou madest Surya rise to heaven.,

2 I, Indra, am Atharvan's stay and firm support: I brought forth kine to Trita from the Dragon's grasp. 3 For me hath Tvastar forged the iron thunderbolt: in me the Gods have centred intellectual power. 4 I won myself these herdi of cattle, steeds and kine, and gold in ample store, with my destructive bolt. 5 Indra am I none ever wins my wealth from me never at any time am I a thrall to death. 6 These, breathing loud in fury, two and two, who caused Indra to bring his bolt of thunder to the fray, 8 Against the Gungus I made Atithigva strong, and kept him mid the folk like Vrtra−conquering strength, 9 With food for mine enjoyment Sapya Nami came: he joined me as a friend of old in search of kine. 10 One of the two hath Soma, seen within it; the Herdsman with the bone shows forth the other. 11 I, as a God, ne'er violate the statutes of Gods, of Vasus, Rudriyas, Adityas. 2 The People of the heavens, the waters, and the earth have stablished me among the Gods with Indra's na 3 With deadly blows I smote Atka for Kavi's sake; I guarded Kutsa well with these saving helps. 4 Smadibha, Tugra, and the Vetasus I gave as prey to Kutsa, father−like, to succour him. 5 I gave up Mrgaya to Srutarvan as his prey because he ever followed me and kept my laws. 6 1, I crushed Navavastva of the lofty car, the Dasa, as the Vrtra−slayer kills the fiends; 7 I travel round about borne onward in my might by the fleet−footed dappled Horses of the Sun. 8 Stronger am I than Nabus, I who slew the seven: I glorified with might Yadu and Turvaga. 9 Bull over all the streams that flow along the earth, I took the Seven Rivers as mine own domain. 10 I set within these cows the white milk which no God, not even Tvastar's self, had there deposited,− 11 Even thus hath Indra Maghavan, truly bounteous, sped Gods and men with mighty operation.

2 By Soma are the Adityas strong, by Soma mighty is the earth. 3 One thinks, when they have brayed the plant, that he hath drunk the Soma's juice; 4 Soma, secured by sheltering rules, guarded by hymns in Brhati, 5 When they begin to drink thee then, O God, thou swellest out again. 6 Raibhi was her dear bridal friend, and Narasamsi led her home. 7 Thought was the pillow of her couch, sight was the unguent for her eyes: 8 Hymns were the cross−bars of the pole, Kurira−metre decked the car: 9 Soma was he who wooed the maid: the groomsmen were both Asvins, when 10 Her spirit was the bridal car; the covering thereof was heaven: 11 Thy Steers were steady, kept in place by holy verse and Sama−hymn: 12 Clean, as thou wentest, were thy wheels wind, was the axle fastened there. 13 The bridal pomp of Surya, which Savitar started, moved along. 14 When on your three−wheeled chariot, O Asvins, ye came as wooers unto Surya's bridal, 15 O ye Two Lords of lustre, then when ye to Surya's wooing came, 16 The Brahmans, by their seasons, know, O Surya, those two wheels of thine: 17 To Surya and the Deities, to Mitra and to Varuna. 18 By their own power these Twain in close succession move; 19 He, born afresh, is new and new for ever ensign of days he goes before the Mornings 20 Mount this, all−shaped, gold−hued, with strong wheels, fashioned of Kimsuka and Salmali, light−rolli 21 Rise up from hence: this maiden hath a husband. I laud Visvavasu with hymns and homage. 22 Rise up from hence, Visvavasu: with reverence we worship thee. 23 Straight in direction be the path:s, and thornless, whereon our fellows travel to the wooing. 24 Now from the noose of Varuna I free thee, wherewith Most Blessed Savitar hath bound thee. 25 Hence, and not thence, I send these free. I make thee softly fettered there. 26 Let Pusan take thy hand and hence conduct thee; may the two Asvins on their car transport thee.

2 All this with red−rayed steeds have they divided: the Dawns on bright cars shine in wondrous fashion. 3 Dawns, bringing hither, to the man who worships, glory and power and might and food and vigour, 4 Now is there treasure for the man who serves you, now for the hero, Dawns! who brings oblation; 5 O Dawn who standest on the mountain ridges, Angirases now praise thy stalls of cattle. 6 Shine on us as of old, thou Child of Heaven,on him, rich Maid! who serves like Bharadvaja.

27 Grant that no mighty foes, unknown, malevolent, unhallowed, tread us to the ground. 2 With soma they brought Indra from a distance, Over Vaisanta, from the strong libation. 3 So, verily, with these he crossed the river, in company with these he slaughtered Bheda. 4 I gladly, men I with prayer prayed by our fathers have fixed your axle: ye shall not be injured: 5 Like thirsty men they looked to heaven, in battle with the Ten Kings, surrounded and imploring. 6 Like sticks and staves wherewith they drive the cattle, Stripped bare, the Bharatas were found defencele 7 Three fertilize the worlds with genial moisture: three noble Creatures cast a light before them. 8 Like the Sun's growing glory is their splendour, and like the sea's is their unflathomed greatness. 9 They with perceptions of the heart in secret resort to that which spreads a thousand branches. 10 A form of lustre springing from the lightning wast thou, when Varuna and Mitra saw thee. 11 Born of their love for Urvasi, Vasistha thou, priest, art son of Varuna and Mitra; 12 He thinker, knower both of earth and heaven, endowed with many a gift, bestowing thousands, 13 Born at the sacrifice, urged by adorations, both with a common flow bedewed the pitcher. 14 He brings the bearer of the laud and Saman: first shall he speak bringing the stone for pressing. 3 Yea, the broad waters swell their flood ior him: of him strong heroes think amid their foes. 4 Set ye for him the coursers to the pole: like Indra Thunderer is the Golden−armed. 5 Arouse you, like the days, to sacrifice speed gladly like a traveller on the way. 6 Go swift to battles, to the sacrifice: set up a flag, a hero for the folk. 7 Up from his strength hath risen as 'twere a light: it bears the load as earth bears living things. 8 Agni, no demon I invoke the Gods: by law completing it, I form a hymn. 9 Closely albout you lay your heavenly song, and send your voice to where the Gods abide.

2 Wise Agni Jatavedas, I beget a song of praise for thee. 3 Thy sharpened flames, O Agni, like the gleams of light that glitter through, 4 Gold−coloured, bannered with the smoke, urged by the wind, aloft to heaven 5 These lightly kindled fiery flames are all around made visible, 6 As Jatavedas speeds along, the dust is black beneath his feet, 7 Making the plants his nourishment, Agni devours and wearies not, 8 Bending him down with all his tongues, he flickers with his fiery glow 9 Agni, thine home is in the floods: into the plants thou forcest way, 10 Worshipped with offerings shines thy flame, O Agni, from the sacred oil, 11 Let us serve Agni with our hymns, Disposer, fed on ox and cow, 12 Yea, thee, O Agni, do we seek with homage and with fuel, Priest 13 O worshipped with oblations, pure Agni, we call on thee as erst, 14 For thou, O Agni, by the fire, Sage by the Sage, Good by the Good, 15 So wealth in thousands, food with store of heroes give thou to the sage, 16 O Agni, Brother, made by strength, Lord of red steeds and brilliant sway, 17 My praises, Agni, go to thee, as the cows seek the stall to meet, 18 Agni, best Angiras, to thee all people who have pleasant homes, 19 The sages skilled in holy song and thin. kers with their thoughts have urged 20 So, Agni, unto thee the Priest, Invoker, strong in forays, pray 21 In many a place, the same in look art thou, a Prince o'er all the tribes 22 Pray thou to Agni, pray to him who blazes served with sacred oil: 23 We call on thee as such, as one who hears, as Jatavedas, one, 24 I pray to Agni, King of men, the Wonderful, the President 25 Him like a bridegroom, him who stirs all people, like a noble horse, 26 Slaying things deadly, burning up foes, Riksasas, on every side, 27 Thou whom the people kindle even as Manus did, best Angiras! 28 O Agni, made by strength!

2 Smote swiftly forts, and gambara, then Yadu and that Turvaga, 3 Finder of horses, pour on us horses and 4 We seek to win thy friendly love, even Pavamana's flowing o'er 5 With those same waves which in their stream oyerflow the purifying sieve, 6 O Soma, being purified, bring us from all sides,−for thou canst,− 7 Him here, the Child whom streams have borne, the ten swift fingers beautify 8 With Indra and with Vayu he, effused, flows onward with,the beams 9 Flow rich in sweets and lovely for our Bhaga, Vayu, Pusan flow 10 High is thy juice's birth: though set in heaven, on earth it hath obtained 11 Striving to win, with him we gain all wealth from the ungodly man, 12 Finder of room and freedom, flow for Indra whom we must adore, 13 The Gods have come to Indu well−descended, beautified with milk, 14 Even as mother cows their calf, so let our praise−songs strengthen him, 15 Soma, pour blessings on our kine, pour forth the food that streams with milk 16 From heaven hath Pavamana made, as 'twere, the marvellous thunder, and 17 The gladdening and auspicious juice of thee, of Pavamana, King! 18 Thy juice, O Pavamana, sends its rays abroad like splendid skill, 19 Flow onward with that juice of thine most excellent, that brings delight, 20 Killing the foeman and his hate, and winning booty every day, 21 Red−hued, be blended with the milk that seems to yield its lovely breast, 22 Flow onward thou who strengthenedst Indra to slaughter Vrtra who 23 Soma who rainest gifts, may we win riches with our hero sons: 24 Aided by thee, and through thy grace, may we be slayers when we war: 25 Chasing our foemen, driving off the godless, Soma flowcth on, 26 O Pavamana, hither bring great riches, and destroy our foes: 27 A hundred obstacles have ne'er checked 28 Indu, flow on, a mighty juice; glorify us among the folk: 29 Indu, in this thy friendship most lofty and glorious may we 30 Those awful weapons that thou hast, sharpened at point to strike men down−

2 Dispelling manifold mishap, giving the courser's progeny, 3 Bringing prosperity to kine, they make perpetual Ila flow 4 Strong, mountain−born, the stalk hath been 5 Fair is the God−loved juice; the plant is washed in waters, pressed by men 6 As drivers deck a courser, so have they adorned the meath's juice for 7 Thou, Indu, with thy streams that drop sweet juices, which were poured for 8 So flow thou onward through the fleece, for Indra flow, to be his drink, 9 As giving room and freedom, as most sweet, pour butter forth and milk, 10 Most active and benevolent, this Pavamana, sent to us 11 Queller of curses, mighty, with strong sway, this Pavamana shall 12 Pour thou upon us thousandfold possessions, both of kine and steeds, 13 Wandering far, with wise designs, the juice here present is effused, 14 For Indra flows the gladdening drink, the measurer of the region, Sage, 15 Born on the inountain, lauded here, Indu for Indra is set down, 16 Pressed by the men, as 'twere to war hath Soma Pavamana sped, 17 That he may move, they yoke him to the three−backed triple−seated car 18 Drive ye that Tawny Courser, O ye pressers, on his way to war, 19 Pouring all glories hither, he, effused and entering the jar, 20 Indu, the living men milk out the juice to make the rapturous draught: 21 Pour for the Gods into the sieve our Soma very rich in sweets, 22 Into his stream who gladdens best these Soma juices have been poured, 23 Thou flowest to enjoy the milk, and bringest valour, being cleansed: 24 And, hymned by Jamadagnis, let all nourishment that kine supply, 25 Soma, as leader of the song flow onward with thy wondrous aids, 26 Do thou as leader of the song, stirring the waters of the sea, 27 O Soma, O thou Sage, these worlds stand ready to attest thy might: 28 Like showers of rain that fall from heaven thy streams perpetually flow 29 For potent Indra purify Indu effectual and strong, 30 Soma, true, Pavamana, Sage, is seated in the cleansing sieve,

1 O SOMA DRINKER, ever true, utterly hopeless though we be, 2 O Lord of Strength, whose jaws are strong, great deeds are thine, the powerful: 3 Lull thou asleep, to wake no more, the pair who on each other look 4 Hero, let hostile spirits sleep, and every gentler genius wake: 5 Destroy this ass, O Indra, who in tones discordant brays to thee: 6 Far distant on the forest fall the tempest in a circling course! 7 Slay each reviler, and destroy him who in secret injures us:

2 He who is germ of waters, germ of woods, germ of all things that move not and that move,− 3 Agni is Lord of riches for the man who serves him readily with sacred songs. 4 Whom many dawns and nights, unlike, make strong, whom, born in Law, all things that move and stand 5 Thou settest value on our cows and woods: all shall bring tribute to us to the light. 6 Like a brave archer, like one skilled and bold, a fierce avenger, so he shines in fight.

2 Thou sentest forth productive powers, clavest the hills, thou dravest forth the kine, thou drankest pleasa 3 In the mid−way of heaven the Sun unyoked his car: the Arya found a match to meet his Dam foe. 4 He boldly cast down forts which none had e'er assailed: unwearied he destroycd the godless 5 Armed with resistless weapons, with vast power to cleave, the Vrtra−slayer whets his darts and deals for 6 These are thy famous exploits, only thine, when thou alone hast left the other reft of sacrifice.

2 He whom of old I called on, him I call on now. He is to be invoked; his name is He who Gives, 3 Fat may the horses be wherewith thou specdest on: Lord of the Wood, unharming, strengthen thou thyse 4 From Hotar's cup and Potar's he hath drunk and joyed: the proffered food hath pleased him from the 5 Yoke, O ye Twain, to−day your hero−bearing car, swift−moving hitherward: your loosing−place is here 6 Agni, accept the fuel and our offered gift: accept the prayer of man, accept our eulogy,

2 Come to the sacrifice, O ye whose ways are right, whose laws are true, 3 O Singer, with the singers, O Gracious, with those who move at dawn, 4 To Indra and to Vayu dear, this Soma, by the mortar pressed, 5 Vayu, come hither to the feast, wellpleased unto our sacred gifts: 6 Ye, Indra, Vayu, well deserve to drink the juices pressed by us. 7 For Indra and for Vayu pressed are Soma juices blent with curd, 8 Associate with all the Gods, come, with the Asvins and with Dawn, 9 Associate with Varuna, with Mitra, Soma, Visnu, come, 10 Associate with Vasus, with Adityas, Indra, Viyu, come, Agni as erst with Atri, so enjoy the juice. 11 May Bhaga and the Asvins grant us health and wealth, and Goddess Adid and he whom none resist. 12 Let us solicit Vayu for prosperity, and Soma who is Lord of all the world for weal; 13 May all the Gods, may Agni the beneficent, God of all men, this day be with us for our weal. 14 Prosper us, Mitra, Varuna. O wealthy Pathya, prosper us. 15 Like Sun and Moon may we pursue in full prosperity our path, 2 For in their boldness they are friends of firm and sure heroic strength. 3 Like steers in rapid motion they advance and overtake the nights; 4 With boldness to your Maruts let us offer laud and sacrifice: 5 Praiseworthy, givers of good gifts, Heroes with full and perfect strength − 6 The lofty Heroes cast their spears and weapons bright with gleaming gold. 7 They who waxed mighty, of the earth, they who are in the wide mid−air, 8 Praise thou the Maruts' company, the valorous and truly strong, 9 Fair−gleaming, on Parusni they have clothed themselves in robes of wool, 10 Whether as wanderers from the way or speeders on or to the path, 11 To this the Heroes well attend, well do their teams attend to this. 12 Hymn−singing, seeking water, they, praising, have danced about the spring. 13 Sublime, with lightnings for their spears, Sages and Orderers are they. 14 Rsi, invite the Marut band with offerings, as a maid her friend.

2 When the Five kindred Companies, active in duty, with the song 3 Then in his juice whose strength is great, have all the Gods rejoiced themselves, 4 Freeing himself he flows away, leaving his body's severed limbs, 5 He by the daughters of the priest, like a fair youth, hath been adorned, 6 O'er the fine fingers, through desire of milk, in winding course he goes, 7 The nimble fingers have approached, adorning him the Lord of Strength: 8 Comprising all the treasures that are in the heavens and on the earth,

2 The drops of Soma juice effused fall like the rain upon the earth: 3 With swelling wave the gladdening drink, the Soma, flows into.the sieve, 4 It hastens to the pitchers, poured upon the sieve it waxes strong 5 Soma, thou shinest mounting heaven as 'twere above light's triple realm, 6 To him, the head of sacnfice, singers and bards have sung their songs, 7 The men, the sages with their hymns, eager for help, deck thee strong &teed, 8 Flow onward to the stream of meath rest efficacious in thy home,

2 And he, made beautiful by night, dips forward into strengthening food', 3 We cleanse this gladdening drink of his the juice which Indra chiefly drinks−−− 4 To him, while purifying, they have raised the ancient psalm of praise: 5 They purify him as he drops, courageous, in the fleecy sieve. 6 Soma, best Cheerer, takes his seat, the while they cleanse him in the bowls. 7 He is effused and beautified, a God for Gods, by skilful men. 8 Pressed, Indu, guided by the men, thou art led to the cleaning sieve.

2 O Indra−Agni, with the man who lauds you comes the wakening rite: 3 Through force of sacrifice I choose Indra−Agni who love the wise: 4 Indra and Agni I invoke, joint−victors, bounteous, unsubdued, 5 Indra and Agni, singers skilled in melody hymn you, bringing lauds: 6 Indra and Agni, ye cast down the ninety forts which DAsas held, 7 To Indra−Agni eeverent thoughts go forward from the holy task 8 O Indra−Agni, powers are yours, and dwellings and delightful food 9 Indra and Agni, in your deeds of might ye deck heaven's lucid realms:

2 The holy sage, renowned afar, directeth his hymns to you, O Varuna and Mitra,− 3 From the wide earth, O Varuna and Mitra from the great lofty heaven, ye, Bounteous Givers, − 4 I praise the strength of Varuna and Mitra that strength, by mightiness, keeps both worlds asunder. 5 Steers, all infallible are these your people in whom no wondrous thing is seen, no worship. 6 I will exalt your sacrifice with homage: as priest, I, Mitra−Varuna, invoke you. 7 This priestly task, Gods! Varuna and Mitra! hath been performed for you at sacrifices.

2 Whoso to thee, the Mighty, brings oblation, pure Soma unto thee, pure−drinking Vayu, 3 The God whom both these worlds brought forth for riches, whom heavenly Dhisana for our wealth 4 The spotless Dawns with fair bright days have broken; they found the spacious light when they were 5 These with their truthful spirit, shining brightly, move on provided with their natural insight. 6 May these who give us heavenly light, these rulers, with gifts of kine and horses, gold and treasures. 7 Like coursers seeking fame will we Vasisthas, O Indra−Vayu, with our fair laudations.

2 Thine is the Herald's, thine the Cleanser's office, thinker art thou, wealth−giver, true to Order. 3 To the Gods' pathway have we travelled, ready to execute what work we may accomplish. 4 When we most ignorant neglect the statutes of you, O Deities with whom is knowledge, 5 When, weak in mind, of feeble understanding, mortals bethink them not of sacrificing, 6 Because the Father hath produced thee, Leader of all our solemn rites, their brilliant Banner: 7 Thou whom the Heaven and Earth, thou whom the Waters, and Tvastar, maker of fair things, created,

2 None who is born or being born, God Visnu, hath reached the utmost limit of thy grandeur. 3 Rich in sweet food be ye, and rich in milch−kine, with fertile pastures, fain to do men service. 4 Ye have made spacious room for sacrificing by generating Surya, Dawn, and Agni. 5 Ye have destroyed, thou, Indra, and thou Visnu, Sambara's nine−and−ninety fenced castles. 6 This is the lofty hymn of praise, exalting the Lords of Mighty Stride, the strong and lofty. 7 O Visnu, unto thee my lips cry Vasat! Let this mine offering, Sipivista, please thee.

2 White−hued and thundering he dwells in splendour, Most Youthful, with the loudvoiced and eternal− 3 Incited by the wind thy flames, O Agni, move onward, Pure One! pure, in all directions. 4 Thy pure white horses from their bonds are loosened: O Radiant One, they shear the ground beneath the 5 Forth darts the Bull's tongue like the sharp stone weapon discharged by him who fights to win the cattle. 6 Thou with the sunlight of the great Impeller hast boldly over−spread the earth's expanses. 7 Wondrous! of wondrous power! give to the singer wealth wondrous, marked, most wonderful, life−givi

2 Hear this laud, Radiant Priest of many aspects, O Agni with the fires of man enkindled, 3 Mid mortal men that singer thrives in glory who offers gifts with hymns of praise to Agni, 4 He, at his birth, whose path is black behind him, filled heaven and earth with far−apparent splendour: 5 With thy most mighty aid, confer, O Agni, wonderful wealth on us and on our princes, 6 Agni, accept this sacrifice with gladness, which, seated here, the worshipper presenteth. 7 Scatter our foes, increase our store. May we he glad a hundred winters with brave sons.

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 A hundred oxen white of hue are shining like the stars in heaven, 3 Bamboos a hundred, a hundred dogs, a hundred skins of beasts well−tanned, 4 Blest by the Gods, Kinvayanas! be ye who spread through life on life: 5 Then men extolled the team of seven not yet full−grown, its fame is great. 2 Ten thousand Dasyave−vrka, the son of Putakrata, hath 3 A hundred asses hath he given, a hundred head of fleecy sheep, 4 There also was a mare led forth, picked out for Putakrata's sake, 5 Observant Agni hath appeared, oblation−bearer with his car.

2 The Man extends it and the Man unbinds it: even to this vault of heaven hath he outspun, it. 3 What were the rule, the order and the model? What were the wooden fender and the butter? 4 Closely was Gayatri conjoined with Agni, and closely Savitar combined with Usnih. 5 Viraj adhered to Varuna and Mitra: here Tristup day by day was Indra's portion. 6 So by this knowledge men were raised to Rsis, when ancient sacrifice sprang up, our Fathers. 7 They who were versed in ritual and metre, in hymns and rules, were the Seven Godlike Rsis.

1 O BRAHMANAPSATI, make him who presses Soma glorious, 2 The rich, the healer of disease, who giveth wealth, increaseth store, 3 Let not the foeman's curse, let not a mortal's onslaught fall on us 4 Ne'er is the mortal hero harmed whom Indra, Brahmanaspati, 5 Do, thou, O Brahmanaspati, and Indra, Soma, Daksina, 6 To the Assembly's wondrous Lord, to Indra's lovely Friend who gives 7 He without whom no sacrifice, e'en of the wise man, prospers; he 8 He makes the oblation prosper, he promotes the course of sacrifice: 9 I have seen Narasamsa, him most resolute, most widely famed,

2 May these rites please you in your heart and spirit; may the drops clothed in oil this day approach you. 3 Your threefold going near is God−appointed, so praise is given you, Vajas and Rbhuksans. 4 Strong, with fair chains of gold and jaws of iron, ye have a splendid car and well−fed horses. 5 Rbhuksans! him, for handy wealth, the mightiest comrade in the fight, 6 The mortal man whom, Rbhus, ye and Indra favour with your help, 7 O Vajas and Rbhuksans, free for us the paths to sacrifice, 8 O Vajas and Rbhuksans, ye Nasatyas, Indra, bless this wealth,

2 This most delightful eulogy awaits you in the man's house drink−offering hath been heated, 3 Whatever dwellings ye possess, O Asvins, in fields of men or in the streams of heaven, 4 Delight yourselves, ye Gods, in plants and waters when Rsis give them and ye find they suit You. 5 Asvins, though ye have heard them oft aforetime, regard the many prayers which Rsis offer. 6 Come to the sacrifice offered you, Nasatyas, with men, oblations, and prayer duly uttered. 7 This is the thought, this is the song, O Asvins: accept this hymn of ours, ye Steers, with favour.

2 We know thee mighty in thy deeds, of mighty bounty, mighty wealth, 3 Hero, when thou art fain to give, neither may Gods nor mortal men 4 Come, let us glorify Indra, Lord supreme of wealth, Self−ruling King: 5 Let prelude sound and following chant so let him hear the Saman sung, 6 O Indra, with thy right hand bring, and with thy left remember us. 7 Come nigh, O Bold One, boldly bring hither the riches of the churl 8 Indra, the booty which thou hast with holy singers to receive, 9 Indra, thy swiftly−coming spoil, the booty which rejoices all,

2 The ribs that compass me give pain and trouble me like rival wives. 3 As rats eat weavers' threads, cares are consuming me, thy singer, gatakratu, me. 4 I the priests' Rsi chose as prince most liberal Kurusravana, 5 Whose three bays harnessed to the car bear me straight onward: I will laud 6 The sire of Upamasravas, even him whose words were passing sweet, 7 Mark, Upamasravas, his son, mark, grandson of Mitratithi: 8 If I controlled Immortal Gods, yea, even were I Lord of men, 9 None lives, even had he hundred lives, beyond the statute of the Gods

2 Immortal. she hath filled the waste, the Goddess hath filled height and depth: 3 The Goddess as she comes hath set the Dawn her Sister in her place: 4 So favour us this night, O thou whose pathways we have visited 5 The villagers have sought their homes, and all that walks and all that flies, 6 Keep off the she−wolf and the wolf, O Urmya, keep the thief away; 7 Clearly hath she come nigh to me who decks the dark with richest hues: 8 These have I brought to thee like kine. O Night, thou Child of Heaven, accept

2 Thou, Hero, art a warrior, thou art giver of abundant spoil. 3 When war and battles are on foot, booty is laid before the bold. 4 Mighty through wisdom, as he lists, terrible, he hath waxed in strength. 5 He filled the earthly atmosphere and pressed against the lights in heaven. 6 May he who to the offerer gives the foeman's man−sustaining food, 7 He, righteous−hearted, at each time of rapture gives us herds of kine. 8 Refresh thee, Hero, with the juice outpoured for bounty and for strength. 9 These people, Indra, keep for thee all that is worthy of thy choice.

2 Be thou To us, while now the morn is breaking, be thou a guardian when the Sun hath mounted.. 3 Bull, who beholdest men, through many mornings, among the dark ones shine forth red, O Agni. 4 Shine forth, a Bull invincible, O Agni, winning by conquest all the forts and treasures, 5 Lighting Gods hither, Agni, wisest Singer, bring thou to us many and flawless shelters. 6 Swell, O thou Bull and give those powers an impulse, e'en Earth and Heaven who yield their milk in ple 7 Agni, as holy food to thine invoker, give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in marvels.

7 She bringeth bounty and sweet charm of voices. The flushing Dawn is sung by the Vasist 2 Turned to this All, far−spreading, she hath risen and shone in brightness with white robes about her. 3 Bearing the Gods' own Eye, auspicious Lady, leading her Courser white and fair to look on, 4 Draw nigh with wealth and dawn away the foeman: prepare for us wide pasture free from danger. 5 Send thy most excellent beams to shine and light us, giving us lengthened days, O Dawn, O Goddess, 6 O Usas, nobly−born, Daughter of Heaven, whom the Vasisthas with their hymns make mighty,

2 The wind, thy breath, hath sounded through the region like a wild beast that seeks his food in pastures. 3 Varuna's spies, sent forth upon their errand, survey the two world−halves well formed and fashioned. 4 To me who understand hath Varuna spoken, the names borne by the Cow are three times seven. 5 On him three heavens rest and are supported, and the three earths are there in sixfold order. 6 Like Varuna from heaven he sinks in Sindhu, like a white−shining spark, a strong wild creature. 7 Before this Varuna may we be sinless him who shows mercy even to the sinner−

2 Our priest is seated, true to time; the grass is regularly strewn; 3 These prayers, O thou who hearest prayer are offered: seat thee on the grass. 4 O Vrtra−slayer, be thou pleased with these libations, with these hymns, 5 Our hymns caress the Lord of Strength, vast, drinker of the Soma's juice, 6 Delight thee with the juice we pour for thine own great munificence: 7 We, Indra, dearly loving thee, bearing oblation, sing thee hymns 8 O thou to whom thy Bays are dear, loose not thy Horses far from us: 9 May long−maned Coursers, dropping oil, bring thee on swift car hitherward,

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,

2 O Indu, while they cleanse thee bring, O Soma, doubly−waxing wealth 3 Set free the. song which mind hath yoked, even as thunder frees the rain: 4 Thy stream when thou art pressed runs on like some victorious warrior's steed 5 Flow on, Sage Soma, with thy stream to give us mental power and strength, 6 Flow to the filter with thy stream, effused, best winner, thou, of spoil, 7 The mothers, void of guiles, caress thee Golden−coloured, in the sieve, 8 Thou, Pavamana, movest on with wondrous rays to great renown. 9 Lord of great sway, thou liftest thee above the heavens, above the earth.

2 His eyes are turned away, his head is hidden: unsated with his tongue he eats the fuel. 3 Seeking, as 'twere, his Mother's secret bosom, he, like a child, creeps on through wide−spread bushes. 4 This holy Law I tell you, Earth and Heaven: the Infant at his birth dovours his Parents. 5 This man who quickly gives him food, who offers his gifts of oil and butter and supports him, − 6 Agni, hast thou committed sin or treason among the Gods? In ignorance I ask thee. 7 He born in wood hath yoked his horses rushing in all directions, held with reins that glitter.

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 Agni, burn down the word within their bodies through our newest speech, 3 Agni, I offer hymns to thee, like holy oil within thy moutlh. 4 Agni bestows all vital power even as each man supplicates. 5 Agni hath made himself renowned by wonderful victorious act. 6 Agni knows all that springs from Gods, he knows the mystery of men. 7 Agni inhabiteth with Gods and men who offer sacrifice. 8 Agni who liveth in all streams, Lord of the Sevenfold Race of men, 9 Agni the Wise inhabiteth three gathering−places, triply formed. 10 Our Agni, thou art first among the Gods, and first mid living men.

2 Wealth, fully armed, good guard and kind protector, sprung from four seas, the prop and stay of treasure 3 Wealth, with good Brahmans, Indra! God−attended, high, wide, and deep, arid based on broad foundati 4 Victorious, winning strength, with hero sages, confirmed in power, most useful, wealth−attracting, 5 Wealthy in heroes and in cars and horses, strength hundredfold and thousandfold, O Indra, 6 To Saptagu the sage, the holy−minded, to him, Brhaspati, the song approaches, 7 My lauds, like envoys, craving loving−kindness, go forth to Indra with their strong entreaty, 8 Grant us the boon for which I pray, O Indra, a spacious home unmatched among the people.

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 Come, Indra, to this gladdening drink, placed on the grass, pressed out with stones: 3 To Indra have my songs of praise gone forth, thus rapidly sent hence, 4 Hither with songs of praise we call Indra to drink the Soma juice: 5 Indra, these Somas are expressed. Take them within thy belly, Lord 6 We know thee winner of the spoil, and resolute in battles, Sage! 7 Borne hither by thy Stallions, drink, Indra, this juice which we have pressed, 8 Indra, for thee, in thine own place, I urge the Soma for thy draught: 9 We call on thee, the Ancient One, Indra, to drink the Soma juice,

2 Thou dost desire to drink, each day that passes, the pleasant food which thou hast had aforetime, 3 Thou, newly−born, for strength didst drink the Soma; the Mother told thee of thy future greatness. 4 When thou hast urged the arrocrant to combat, proud in their strength of arm, we will subdue them. 5 I will declare the earliest deeds of Indra, and recent acts which Maghavan hath accomplished. 6 Thine is this world of flocks and herds around thee, which with the eye of Surya thou beholdest. 7 Ye Twain are Lords of wealth in earth and heaven, thou, O Brhaspati, and thou, O Indra. Mean though h

26 Who with thrice seven times seventy horses comes to us, invested with the rays of morn, 27 Who hath inclined this glorious one, buunteous himself, to give me gifts. 28 Sole Lord in beauty meet for praise, O Vayu, dropping fatness down, 29 So, as a prize dear to the strong, the sixty thousand have I gained, 30 To me come oxen like a herd, yea, unto me the oxen come. 31 And in the grazing herd he made a hundred camels bleat for me, 32 A hundred has the sage received, Dasa Balbutha's and Taruksa's gifts. 33 And now to Vasa Asvya here this stately woman is led forth,

2 O'er all thou rulest with these Two which, Soma Pavamana, stand, 3 Wise Soma Pavamana, thou encompassest on every side 4 Flow onward, generating food, for precious boons of every kind, 5 Upon the lofty ridge of heaven thy bright rays with their essences, 6 O Soma, these Seven Rivers flow, as being thine, to give command: 7 Flow onward, Soma in a stream, effused to gladden Indra's heart, 8 Driving thee in Vivasvan's course, the Seven Sisters with their hymns 9 The virgins deck thee o'er fresh streams to drive thee to the sieve when thou, 10 The streams of Pavamana, thine, Sage, Mighty One, have pouredthem forth.