Rig Veda on Healing

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

2 Soma and Rudra, chase to every quarter the sickness that hath visited our dwelling. 3 Provide, O Soma−Rudra, for our bodies all needful medicines to heal and cure us. 4 Armed with keen shafts and weapons, kind and loving, be gracious unto us, Soma and Rudra.

2 Here is the psalm for wealth, and food, in plenty: let us do many deeds to bring us glory. 3 May we o'ercome our foes with acts of valour, as heaven is over earth, hills over lowlands. 4 Give us not up as prey to death, O Sorna still let us look upon the Sun arising. 5 O Asuniti, keep the soul within us, and make the days we have to live yet longer. 6 Give us our sight again, O Asuniti, give us again our breath and our enjoyment. 7 May Earth restore to us our vital spirit, may Heaven the Goddess and mid−air restore it. 8 May both Worlds bless Subandhu, young Mothers of everlasting Law. 9 Health−giving medicines descend sent down from heaven in twos and threes, 10 Drive forward thou the wagon−ox, O Indra, which brought Usinarani's wagon hither.

2 Make these return to us again, bring them beside us once again. 3 Let them return to us again: under this herdsman let them feed. 4 1 call upon their herdsman, him who knoweth well their coming nigh, 5 Yea, let the herdsman, too, return, who marketh well their driving−forth; 6 Home−leader, lead them home to us; Indra, restore to us our kine: 7 1 offer you on every side butter and milk and strengthening food. 8 O thou Home−leader, lead them home, restore them thou who bringest home.

2 Worship at dawn and instigate the Asvins:nor is the worshipper at eve rejected. 3 Covered with gold, meath−tinted, dropping fatness, your chariot with its freight of food comes hither, 4 He who hath served most often the Nasatyas, and gives the sweetest food at distribution, 5 May we obtain the Asvins' newest favour, and gain their health−bestowing happy ildance.

2 For not an enemy molests the paths which these Adityas tread: 3 Now soon may Bhaga, Savitar, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman 4 With Gods come thou whose fostering care none checks, O Goddesss Aditi: 5 For well these Sons of Aditi know to keep enmities aloof, 6 Aditi guard our herd by day, Aditi, free from guile, by night, 7 And in the day our hymn is this: May Aditi come nigh to help, 8 And may the Asvins, the divine Pair of Physicians, send us health: 9 May Agni bless us with his fires, and Surya warm us pleasantly: 10 Drive ye disease and strife away, drive ye away malignity: 11 Remove from us the arrow, keep famine, Adityas! far away: 12 Now, O Adityas, grant to us the shelter that lets man go free, 13 Whatever mortal with the powe r of demons fain would injure us, 14 May sin o'ertake our human foe, the man who speaketh evil thing, 15 Gods, ye are with the simple ones, ye know each mortal in your hearts; 16 Fain would we have the sheltering aid of mountains and of water−floods: 17 So with auspicious sheltering aid do ye, O Vasus, carry us 18 Adityas, ye Most Mighty Ones, grant to our children and their seed 19 Sacrifice, O Adityas, is your inward monitor: be kind, 20 The Maruts' high protecting aid, the Asvins, and the God who saves, 21 Grant us a home with triple guard, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna! 22 And as we human beings, O Adityas, are akin to death,

2 All manliness that is in heaven, with the Five Tribes, or in mid−air, 3 Remember Kanva first of all among the singers, Asvins, who 4 Asvins, for you with song of praise this hot oblation is effused, 5 Whatever ye have done in floods, in the tree, Wonder−Workers, and in growing plants, 6 What force, Nasatyas, ye exert, whatever, Gods, ye tend and heal, 7 Now hath the Rsi splendidly thought out the Asvins' hymn of praise. 8 Ye Asvins, now ascend your car that lightly rolls upon its way. 9 When, O Nasatyas, we this day make you speed hither with our hymns, 10 As erst Kaksivan and the Rsi Vyasva, as erst Dirghatamas invoked your presence, 11 Come as home−guardians, saving us from foemen, guarding our living creatures and our bodies, 12 Whether with Indra ye be faring, Asvins, or resting in one dwelling−place with Vayu, 13 When I, O Asvins, call on you to−day that I may gather strength, 14 Now come, ye Asvins, hitherward: here are oblations set for you; 15 Whatever healing balm is yours, Nisatyas, near or far away, 16 Together with the Goddess, with the Asvins' Speech have I awoke. 17 Awake the Asvins, Goddess Dawn! Up Mighty Lady of sweet strains! 18 Thou, Dawn, approaching with thy light shinest together with the Sun, 19 When yellow stalks give forth the juice, as cows from udders pour their milk, 20 Forward for glory and for strength, protection that shall conquer men, 21 When Asvins, worthy of our lauds, ye seat you in the father's house.

2 Most frequent guests, they scorn not what is ready: even now the lauded Asvins are beside us. 3 Yea, come at milking−time, at early morning, at noon of day and when the Sun is setting, 4 For this place, Asvins, was of old your dwelling, these were your houses, this your habitation. 5 May we obtain the Asvins' newest favour, and gain their health−bestowing happy guidance.

2 Ye, Mothers, have a hundred homes, yea, and a thousand are your growths. 3 Be glad and joyful in the Plants, both blossoming and bearing fruit, 4 Plants, by this name I speak to you, Mothers, to you the Goddesses: 5 The Holy Fig tree is your home, your mansion is the Parna tree: 6 He who hath store of Herbs at hand like Kings amid a crowd of men,− 7 Herbs rich in Soma, rich in steeds, in nourishments, in strengthening power,− 8 The healing virtues of the Plants stream forth like cattle from the stall,− 9 Reliever is your mother's name, and hence Restorers are ye called. 10 Over all fences have they passed, as steals a thief into the fold. 11 When, bringing back the vanished strength, I hold these herbs within my hand, 12 He through whose frame, O Plants, ye creep member by member, joint by joint,− 13 Fly, Spirit of Disease, begone, with the blue jay and kingfisher. 14 Help every one the other, lend assistance each of you to each, 15 Let fruitful Plants, and fruitless, those that blossom, and the blossomless, 16 Release me from the curse's plague and woe that comes from Varuna; 17 What time, descending from the sky, the Plants flew earthward, thus they spake: 18 Of all the many Plants whose King is, Soma, Plants of hundred forms, 19 O all ye various Herbs whose King is Soma, that o'erspread the earth, 20 Unharmed be he who digs you up, unharmed the man for whom I dig: 21 All Plants that hear this speech, and those that have departed far away,

1 STRONG are the Somas; come thou nigh; these juices have been mixt with milk: 2 Both Deities who touch the heaven, Indra and Vayu we invoke 3 The singers' for their aid, invoke Indra and Vayu, swift as mind, 4 Mitra and Varupa, renowned as Gods of consecrated might, 5 Those who by Law uphold the Law, Lords of the shining light of Law, 6 Let Varuna be our chief defence, let Mitra guard us with all aids 7 Indra, by Maruts girt, we call to drink the Soma juice: may he 8 Gods, Marut hosts whom Indra leads, distributers of Pusan's gifts, 9 With conquering Indra for ally, strike Vrtra down, ye bounteous Gods 10 We call the Universal Gods, and Maruts to the Soma draught, 11 Fierce comes the Maruts' thundering voice, like that of conquerors, when ye go 12 Born of the laughing lightning. may the Maruts guard us everywhere 13 Like some lost animal, drive to us, bright Pusan, him who bears up heaven, 14 Pusan the Bright has found the King, concealed and bidden in a cave, 15 And may he. duly bring to me the six bound closely, through these drops, 16 Along their paths the Mothers go, Sisters of priestly ministrants, 17 May Waters gathered near the Sun, and those wherewith the Sun is joined, 18 I call the Waters, Goddesses, wherein our cattle quench their thirst; 19 Amrit is in the Waters in the Waters there is healing balm 20 Within the Waters−Soma thus hath told me−dwell all balms that heal, 21 O Waters, teem with medicine to keep my body safe from harm, 22 Whatever sin is found in me, whatever evil I have wrought. 23 The Waters I this day have sought, and to their moisture have we come: 24 Fill me with splendour, Agni; give offspring and length of days; the Gods

2 With all the Holy Thoughts, all being Mighty Ones! in close alliance wil the Mountains, Heaven, and E 3 With all the Deities, three times eleven, here, in close alliance with the Maruts, Bhrgus, Floods; 4 Accept the sacrifice, attend to this my call: come nigh, O ye Twain Gods, to all libations here. 5 Accept our praise−song as a youth accepts a maid. Come nigh, O ye Twain Gods, to all libations here. 6 Accept the songs we sing, accept the solemn rite. Conie nigh, O ye Twain Gods, to all libations here. 7 Ye fly as starlings fly unto the forest trees; like buffaloes ye seek the Soma we have shed. 8 Ye fly like swans, like those who travel on their way; like buffaloes ye seek the Soma we have shed. 9 Ye fly to our oblation like a pair of hawks; like buffaloes ye seek the Soma we have shed. 10 Come hitherward and drink and satisfy yourselves, bestow upon us progeny and affluence. 11 Conquer your foes, protect us, praise your worshippers; bestow upon us progeny and affluence. 12 Slay enemies, animate men whom ye befriend; bestow upon us progeny and aff luence. 13 With Mitra, Varuna, Dharma, and the Maruts in your company approach unto your praiser's call. 14 With Visnu and the Angirases attending you, and with the Maruts come unto your praiser's call. 15 With Rbhus and With Vajas. O ye Mighty Ones, leagued with the Maruts come ye to your praiser's cal 16 Give spirit to our prayer and animate our thoughts; slay ye the Raksasas and drive away disease. 17 Strengthen the Ruling Power, strengthen the men of war; slay ye the Raksasas and drive away disease. 18 Give strength unto the milch−kine, give the people strength, slay ye the Raksasas and drive away disea 19 As ye heard Atri's earliest eulogy, so hear Syavasva, Soma−presser, ye who reel in joy. 20 Further like running streams Syavasva's eulogies who presses out the Soma, ye who reel in joy. 21 Seize, as ye grasp the reins, Syavasva's solemn rites who presses out the Soma, ye who reel in joy.

2 When, Asvins, ye equip your very mighty car, bedew, ye Twain, our power with honey and with oil. 3 Nigh to us come the Asvins' lauded three−wheeled car, the car laden with meath and drawn by fleet−foo 4 Bring hither nourishment for us, ye Asvins Twain; sprinkle us with your whip that drops with honey−de 5 Ye store the germ of life in female creatures, ye lay it up within all living beings. 6 Leeches are ye with medicines to heal us, and charioteers are ye with skill in driving.

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 Swift in their motion, hasting to their duty, reaching the central point of life immortal, 3 Steer, Sea, Red Bird with strong wings, he hath entered the dwelling−place of the Primeval Father. 4 Four bear him up and give him rest and quiet, and ten invigorate the Babe for travel. 5 Wondrous, O people, is the mystic knowledge that while the waters stand the streams are flowing: 6 For him they lenghten prayers and acts of worship: the Mothers weave garments for him their offspring. 7 Be this our praise, O Varuna and Mitra may this be health and force to us, O Agni.

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 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!

1 WHAT shall we sing to Rudra, strong, most bounteous, excellently wise, 2 That Aditi may grant the grace of Rudra to our folk, our kine, 3 That Mitra and that Varuna, that Rudra may remember us, 4 To Rudra Lord of sacrifice, of hymns and balmy medicines, 5 He shines in splendour like the Sun, refulgent as bright gold is he, 6 May he grant health into our steeds, wellbeing to our rams and ewes, 7 O Soma, set thou upon us the glory of a hundred men, 8 Let not malignities, nor those who trouble Soma, hinder us. 9 Soma! head, central point, love these; Soma! know these as serving thee,

2 Foremost be he who brings thee food, O Mitra, who strives to keep thy sacred Law, Aditya. 3 joying in sacred food and free from sickness, with knees bent lowly on the earth's broad surface, 4 Auspicious and adorable, this Mitra was born with fair dominion, King, Disposer. 5 The great Aditya, to be served with wor. ship, who stirreth men, is gracious to the singer. 6 The gainful grace of Mitra,. God, supporter of the race of man, 7 Mitra whose glory spreads afar, he who in might surpasses heaven, 8 All the Five Races have repaired to Mitra, ever strong to aid, 9 Mitra to Gods, to living men, to him who strews the holy grass,

3 That which destroys the sinking germ, the settled, moving embryo, 4 That which divides thy legs that it may lie between the married pair, 5 What rests by thee in borrowed form of brother, lover, or of lord, 6 That which through sleep or darkness hath deceived thee and lies down by thee, 2 From the neck−tendons and the neck, from the breast−bones and from the spine, 3 From viscera and all within, forth from the rectum, from the heart, 4 From thighs, from knee−caps, and from heels, and from the forepart of the feet, 5 From what is voided from within, and from thy hair, and from they nails, 6 From every member, every hair, disease that comes in every joint,

Quasi dex 9 'The fire, burning the people, does not approach quickly (by day): the naked (Rakasas approach) not A 2 Agni, concurring in the prayer, drive off the eater of the flesh, 3 That which destroys the sinking germ, the settled, moving embryo, 4 That which divides thy legs that it may lie between the married pair, 5 What rests by thee in borrowed form of brother, lover, or of lord, 6 That which through sleep or darkness hath deceived thee and lies down by thee, 2 From the neck−tendons and the neck, from the breast−bones and from the spine, 3 From viscera and all within, forth from the rectum, from the heart, 4 From thighs, from knee−caps, and from heels, and from the forepart of the feet, 5 From what is voided from within, and from thy hair, and from they nails, 6 From every member, every hair, disease that comes in every joint, 2 O Sinivali, set the germ, set thou the germ, Sarasvati: 3 That which the Asvins Twain rub forth with the attrition−sticks of g

2 Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Agnis, with Consorts, sending boons, 3 These are our guardians in the west, and northward here, and in the south, 4 Even as the Gods desire so verily shall it be. None minisheth this power of theirs, 5 The Seven carry seven spears; seven are the splendours they possess, 2 Another, luminous, occupies the place of sacritice, Sage, among the Gods. 3 One brandishes in his hand an iron knife, firm, in his seat amid the Deities. 4 Another holds the thunderbolt, wherewith he slays the Vrtras, resting in his hand. 5 Another bears a pointed weapon: bright is he, and strong, with healing medicines. 6 Another, thief−like, watches well the ways, and knows the places where the treasures lie. 7 Another with his mighty stride hath made his three steps thither where the Gods rejoice. 8 Two with one Dame ride on with winged steeds, and journey forth like travellers on their way. 9 Two, highest, in the heavens have set their seat, worshipped with holy oil, imperial Kings. 10 Some, singing lauds, conceived the Sama−hymn, great hymn whereby they caused the Sun to shine.

2 For over thee, O Friend from birih, the wrath of man hath no control: 3 As such, with all the Gods, O Son of Strength, auspicious in thy flame. 4 Malignities stay not from wealth the mortal man whom, Agni, thou 5 Sage Agni, be whom thou dost urge, in worship of the Gods, to wealth, 6 Riches with many heroes thou hast for the man who offers gifts: 7 Save us, O Jatavedas, nor abandon us to him who sins, 8 O Agni, let no godless man avert thy bounty as a God: 9 So, Son of Strength, tbou aidest us to what is great and excellent. 10 Let our songs come anear to him beauteous and bright with piercing flame 11 To Agni Jatavedas, to the Son of Strength, that he may give us precious gifts, 12 Agni, made yours by sacrifice, Agni, while holy rites advance; 13 May Agni who is Lord of wealth vouchsafe us food for friendship sake. 14 Solicit with your chants, for help, Agni the God with piercing flame, 15 Agni we laud that he may keep our foes afar, Agni to give us health and strength.

2 May this my truthful speech guard me on every side wherever heaven and earth and days are spread abr 3 No godless man from time remotest draws thee down when thou art driving forth with winged dappled 4 O Surya, with the light whereby thou scatterest gloom, and with thy ray impellest every moving thing, 5 Sent forth thou guardest well the Universe's law, and in thy wonted way arisest free from wrath. 6 This invocation, these our words may Heaven and Earth, and Indra and the Waters and the Maruts hear. 7 Cheerful in spirit, evermore, and keen of sight, with store of children, free from sickness and from sin, 8 Surya, may we live long and look upon thee still, thee, O Far−seeing One, bringing the glorious light, 9 Thou by whose lustre all the world of life comes forth, and by thy beams again returns unto its rest, 10 Bless us with shine, bless us with perfect daylight, bless us with cold, with fervent heat and lustre. 11 Gods, to our living creatures of both kinds vouchsafe protection, both to bipeds and to quadrupeds, 12 If by some grievous sin we have provoked the Gods, O Deities, with the tongue or thoughtlessness of

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 With the most saving medicines which thou givest, Rudra, may I attain a hundred winters. 3 Chief of all born art thou in glory, Rudra, armed with the thunder, mightiest of the mighty. 4 Let us not anger thee with worship, Rudra, ill praise, Strong God! or mingled invocation. 5 May I with praise−songs win that Rudra's favour who is adored with gifts and invocations. 6 The Strong, begirt by Maruts, hath refreshed me, with most invigorating food, imploring. 7 Where is that gracious hand of thine, O Rudra, the hand that giveth health and bringeth comfort, 8 To him the strong, great, tawny, fair−complexioned, I utter forth a mighty hymn of praises. 9 With firm limbs, multiform, the strong, the tawny adorns himself with bright gold decorations: 10 Worthy, thou carriest thy bow and arrows, worthy, thy manyhued and honoured necklace. 11 Praise him the chariot−borne, the young, the famous, fierce, slaying like a dread beast of the forest. 12 I bend to thee as thou approachest, Rudra, even as a boy before the sire who greets him. 13 Of your pure medicines, O potent Martits, those that are wholesomest and healthbestowing, 14 May Rudra's missile turn aside and spare us, the great wrath of the impetuous One avoid us. 15 O tawny Bull, thus showing forth thy nature, as neither to be wroth, O God, nor slay us.

2 Yea, for ourselves we claim the grace of Heaven and Earth, of Saryanavan, of the Hills and Mother 3 May the great Twain, the Mothers, Heaven and Earth, this day preserve us free from sin for peace and 4 May this first Dawn bring us the host of gracious Gods: rich, may it richly shine for us who strive for 5 Dawns, who come forward with the bright beams of the Sun, and at your earliest flushing bring to us th 6 Free from all sickness may the Mornings come to us, and let our fires mount upward with a lofty blaze. 7 Send us to−day a portion choice and excellent, O Savitar, for thou art he who dealeth wealth. 8 Further me this declaring of Eternal Law, the Law of Gods, as we mortals acknowledge it! 9 This day we pray with innocence in strewing grass, adjusting pressing−stones, and perfecting the hymn. 10 To our great holy grass I bid the Gods at morn to banquet, and will seat them as the seven priests,− 11 Come hither, O Adityas, for our perfect weal: accordant help our sacrifice that we may thrive. 12 Adityas, Gods, vouchsafe that this our home may be praise−worthy, prosperous, our heroes' sure defen 13 This day may all the Maruts, all he near us with aid: may all our fires be well enkindled. 14 He whom ye aid, O Deities, in battle, whom ye protect and rescue from affliction,

2 Awake all pleasant strains and let the hymns flow forth: raise up abundant fulness: this is our desire. 3 Ye are the bliss of her who groweth old at home, and helpers of the slow although he linger last. 4 Ye made Cyavana, weak and worn with length of days, young again, like a car, that he had power to mo 5 We will declare among the folk your ancient deeds heroic; yea, ye were Physicians bringing health. 6 Listen to me, O Asvins; I have cried to you. Give me−your aid as sire and mother aid their son. 7 Ye, mounted on your chariot brought to Vimada the comely maid of Purumitra as a bride. 8 Ye gave a ain the vigour of his youthful life to tge sage Kali when old age was coming nigh. 9 Ye Asvins Twain, endowed with manly strength, brought forth Reblia when hidden in the cave and 10 On Pedu ye bestowed, Asvins, a courser white, mighty with nine−and−ninety varied gifts of strength, 11 From no side, ye Two Kings whom none may check or stay, doth grief, distress, or danger come u on t 12 Come on that Chariot which the Rbhus wrought for you, the Chariot, Asvins, that is speedier than thou 13 Come, Conquerors of the sundered mountain, to our home, Asvins who made the cow stream milk for 14 We have prepared this laud for you, O Asvins, and, like the Bhrgus, as a car have framed it,

2 Here let the ignorant ask the means of you who know−for none beside you knoweth aught − 3 Such as ye: are, all−wise, we call you. Ye wise, declare to us this day accepted prayer. 4 Simply, ye Mighty Ones, I ask the Gods of that wondrous oblation hallowed by the mystic word. 5 Forth go the hymn that shone in Ghosa Bhrgu's like, the song wherewith the son of Pajra worships you, 6 Hear ye the song of him who hastens speedily. O Asvins, I am he who sang your praise. 7 For ye were ever nigh to deal forth ample wealth, to give the wealth that ye had gathered up. 8 Give us not up to any man who hateth us, nor let our milch−cows stray, whose udders give us food, 9 May they who love you gain you for their Friends. Prepare ye us for opulence with strengthening food, 10 1 have obtained the horseless car of Asvins rich in sacrifice, 11 May it convey me evermore: may the light chariot pass from men 12 It holdeth slumber in contempt. and the rich who enjoyeth not: 2 He stablished heaven; he poured forth, skilful worker, the wealth of kine, for strength, that nurtures hero 3 Lord of red dawns, he came victorious, daily to the Angirases' former invocation. 4 In joy of this thou didst restore, for worship, the lowing company of hidden cattle. 5 Thine is that milk which thy swift−moving Parents brought down, a strengthening genial gift for conque 6 There is he born.

2 May Aditi welcome, even as a mother her dear heart−gladdening son, my song that lauds her. 3 In spirit him, the Sagest of the Sages; with sacrificial oil and meath bedew him 4 With willing mind, Indra, vouchsafe us cattle, prosperity, Lord of Bays! and pious patrons; 5 God Bhaga, Savitar who deals forth riches, Indra, and they who conquer Vrtra's treasures, 6 Let us declare his deeds, the undecaying unrivalled Victor whom the Maruts follow. 7 Praise him the Chief who gives the boon of riches, Brhaspati distributor of treasures, 8 Tended, Brhaspati, with thy protections, the princes are unharmed and girt by heroes. 9 Make their wealth flee who, through our hymns enjoying their riches, yield us not an ample guerdon. 10 With wheelless chariots drive down him, O Maruts, who at the feasts of Gods regards the demons. 11 Praise him whose bow is strong and sure his arrow, him who is Lord of every balm that bealeth. 12 May the House−friends, the cunning−handed Artists, may the Steer's Wives, the streams carved out by 13 My newest song, thought that now springs within me, I offer to the Great, the Sure Protector, 14 Now, even now, may thy fair praise, O Singer, attain Idaspati who roars and thunders, 15 May this my laud attain the troop of Maruts, those who are youths in act, the Sons of Rudra. 16 May this my laud reach earth and air's mid−region, and forest trees and plants to win me riches. 17 Gods, may we dwell in free untroubled bliss. 18 May we obtain the Asvins' newest favour, and gain their health−bestowing happy guidance.

42 Make Vayu glad,, for furtherance and bounty: cheer Varuna and Mitra, as they cleanse thee. 43 Flow onward righteous slayer of the wicked, driving away our enemies and sickness, 44 Pour us a fount of meath, a spring of treasure; send us a hero son and happy fortune. 45 Strong Soma, pressed, like an impetuous courser, hath flowed in stream as a flood speeding downward 46 Strong, wise, for thee who longest for his coming this Soma here flows to the bowls, O Indra. 47 He, purified with ancient vital vigour, pervading all his Daughter's forms and figures, 48 Now, chariot−borne, flow unto us, God Soma, as thou art purified flow to the saucers, 49 To feast him, flow mid song and hymn, to Vayu, flow purified to Varuna and Mitra. 50 Pour on us garments that shall clothe us meetly, send, purified, miIch−kine, abundant yielders. 51 Send to us in a stream celestial riches, send us, when thou art cleansed, what earth containeth, 52 Pour forth this wealth with this purification: flow onward to the yellow lake, O Indu. 53 Flow on for us with this purification to the famed ford of thee whose due is glory. 54 Eagerly do we pray for those two exploits, at the blue lake and Prsana, wrought in battle. 55 Thou comest unto three extended filters, and hasteriest through each one as they cleanse thee. 56 This Soma here, the Wise, the All−obtainer, flows on his way as King of all existence. 57 The Great Inviolate are kissing Indu, and singing in his place like eager sages. 58 Soma, may we, with thee as Pavamana, pile up together all our spoil in battle.

2 For worthy of obeisance, Gods, are all your names, worthy of adoration and of sacrifice. 3 I will rejoice in these Adityas for my weal, for whom the Mother pours forth water rich in balm, 4 Looking on men, ne'er slumbering, they by their deserts attained as Gods to lofty immortality. 5 Great Kings who bless us, who have come to sacrifice, who, ne'er assailed, have set their mansion in the 6 Who offereth to you the laud that ye accept, O ye All−Gods of Manu, many as ye are? 7 Ye to whom Manu, by seven priests, with kindled fire, offered the first oblation with his heart and soul, 8 Wise Deities, who have dominion o'er the world, ye thinkers over all that moves not and that moves, 9 In battles we invoke Indra still swift to hear, and all the holy Host of Heaven who banish grief, 10 Mightily−saving Earth, incomparable Heaven the good guide Aditi who gives secure defence 11 Bless us, all Holy Ones, that we may have your help, guard and protect us from malignant injury. 12 Keep all disease afar and sordid sacrifice, keep off the wicked man's malicious enmity. 13 Untouched by any evil, every mortal thrives, and, following the Law, spreads in his progeny. 14 That which ye guard and grace in battle, O ye Gods, ye Maruts, where the prize is wealth, where heroe 15 Vouchsafe us blessing in our paths and desert tracts, blessing in waters and in battle, for the light; 16 The noblest Svasti with abundant riches, who comes to what is good by distant pathway,− 17 Thus hatb the thoughtful sage, the son of Plati, praised you, O Aditi and all Adityas,

2 Give us a portion of the sap, the most auspicious that ye have, 3 To you we gladly come for him to whose abode ye send us on; 4 The Waters. be to us for drink, Goddesses for our aid and bliss: 5 1 beg the Floods to give us balm, these Queens who rule o'er precious things, 6 Within the Waters−Soma thus hath told me−dwell all balms that heal, 7 O Waters, teem with medicine to keep my body safe from harm, 8 Whatever sin is found in me, whatever evil I have wrought, 9 The Waters I this day have sought, and to their moisture have we come: 2 Thy friend loves not the friendship which considers her who is near in kindred as stranger. 3 Yea, this the Immortals seek of thee with longing, progeny of the sole existing mortal. 4 Shall we do now what we ne'er did aforetime? we who spake righteously now talk impurely? 5 Even in the womb God Tvastar, Vivifier, shaping all forms, Creator, made us consorts. 6 Who knows that earliest day whereof thou speakest? Who hatb beheld it? Who can here declare it? 7 I, Yami, am possessed by love of Yama, that I may rest on the same couch beside him. 8 They stand not still, they never close their eyelids, those sentinels of Gods who wander round us. 9 May Surya's eye with days and nights endow him, and ever may his light spread out before him. 10 Sure there will come succeeding times when brothers and sisters will do acts unmeet for kinsfolk. 11 Is he a brother when no lord is left her? Is she a sister when Destruction cometh? 12 I will not fold mine arms about thy body: they call it sin when one comes near his sister.

2 Robed in fair raiment meet to wear in battle, a mighty Sage pronouncing invocations. 3 Dear, he is brightened on the fleecy summit, a Prince among us, nobler than the noble. 4 Let us sing praises to the Gods: sing loudly, send ye the Soma forth for mighty riches. 5 Winning the friendship of the Deities, Indu flows in a thousand streams to make them joyful. 6 Flow, Gold−hued, cleansing thee, to enrich the singer: let thy juice go to Indra to support him. 7 The God declares the Deities' generations, like Usana, proclaiming lofty wisdom. 8 The Swans, the Vrsaganas from anear us have brought their restless spirit to our dwelling. 9 He follows the Wide−strider's rapid movement: cows low, as 'twere, to him who sports at pleasure. 10 Strong Indu, bathed in milk, flows on for Indra, Soma exciting strength, to make him joyful. 11 Then in a stream he flows, milked out with press−stones, mingled with sweetness, through the fleecy 12 As he is purified he pours out treasures, a God bedewing Gods with his own juices. 13 The Red Bull bellowing to the kine advances, causing the heavens and earth to roar and tbunder. 14 Swelling with milk, abounding in sweet flavours, urging the meath−rich plant thou goest onward. 15 So flow thou on inspiriting, for rapture, aiming deatb−shafts at him who stays the waters, 16 Pleased with us, Indu, send us as thou flowest good easy paths in ample space and comforts. 17 Pour on us rain celestial, quickly streaming, refreshing, fraught with health and ready bounty. 18 Part, like a knotted tangle, while they cleanse thee, O Soma, righteous and unrighteous conduct. 19 For the God's service, for delight, O Indu, run o'er the height, run o'ver the fleecy summit. 20 Without a car, without a rein to guide them, unyoked, like coursers started in the contest, 21 So for our banquet of the Gods, O Indu, pour down the rain of heaven into the vessels.

2 In thy kind grace and favour may we still be strong: expose us not to foe's attack. 3 May these my songs of praise exalt thee, Lord, who hast abundant wealth. 4 He, with his might enhanced by Rsis thousandfold, hath like an ocean spread himself. 5 Indra for worship of the Gods, Indra while sacrifice proceeds, 6 With might hath Indra spread out heaven and earth, with power hath Indra lighted up the Sun. 7 Men with their lauds are urging thee, Indra, to drink the Soma first. 8 Indra increased his manly strength at sacrifice, in the wild rapture of this juice. 9 I crave of thee that hero strength, that thou mayst first regard this prayer, 10 Wherewith thou sentest mighty waters to the sea, that, Indra, is thy manly strength. 11 Help us, O Indra, when we pray to thee for wealth and hero might. 12 Help for us, Indra, as thou holpest Paura once, this man's devotions bent on gain. 13 What newest of imploring prayers shall, then, the zealous mortal sing? 14 When shall they keep the Law and praise thee mid the Gods? Who counts as Rsi and as sage? 15 These songs of ours exceeding sweet, these hymns of praise ascend to thee, 16 The Bhrgus are like Suns, like Kanvas, and have gained all that their thoughts were bent upon. 17 Best slayer of the Vrtras, yoke thy Bay Steeds, Indra, from afar. 18 For these, the bards and singers, have cried out to thee with prayer, to gain the sacrifice. 19 Thou from the lofty plains above, O Indra, hurledst Vrtra down. 20 Bright were the flaming fires, the Sun gave forth his shine, and Soma, Indra's juice, shone clear. 21 The fairest courser of them all, who runneth on as 'twere to heaven. 22 To me hath Pakasthaman given, a ruddy horse,good at the pole, 23 Compared with whom no other ten strong coursers, harnessed to the pole, 24 Raiment is body, food is life, and healing ointment giveth strength.

2 For they are dealers forth of wealth, and, not deluded, with their might 3 Shelter may they vouchsafe to us, Immortal Gods to mortal men, 4 May they mark out our paths to bliss, Indra, the Maruts, Pusan, 5 Yea, Pusan, Visnu, ye who run your course, enrich our hymns with kine; 6 The winds waft sweets, the rivers pour sweets for the man who keeps the Law 7 Sweet be the night and sweet the dawns, sweet the terrestrial atmosphere; 8 May the tall tree be full of sweets for us, and full of sweets the Sun: 9 Be Mitra gracious unto us, and Varuna and Aryaman: 2 Thou by thine insight art most wise, O Soma, strong by thine energies and all possessing, 3 Thine are King Varuna's eternal statutes, lofty and deep, O Soma, is thy glory. 4 With all thy glories on the earth, in heaven, on mountains, in the plants, and in the waters,− 5 Thou, Soma, art the Lord of heroes, King, yea, Vrtra−slayer thou: 6 And, Soma, let it be thy wish that we may 7 To him who keeps the law, both old and young, thou givest happiness, 8 Guard us, King Soma, on all sides from him who threatens us: never let 9 With those delightful aids which thou hast, Soma, for the worshipper,− 10 Accepting this our sacrifice and this our praise, O Soma, come, 11 Well−skilled in speech we magnify thee, Soma, with our sacred songs: 12 Enricher, healer of disease, wealth−finder, prospering our store, 13 Soma, be happy in our heart, as milch−kine in the grassy meads, 14 O Soma, God, the mortal man who in thy friendship hath delight, 15 Save us from slanderous reproach, keep us., O Soma, from distress: 16 Soma, wax great. From every side may vigorous powers unite in thee: 17 Wax, O most gladdening Soma, great through all thy rays of light, and be 16 In thee be juicy nutriments united, and powers and mighty foe−subduing vigour, 19 Such of thy glories as with poured oblations men honour, may they all invest our worship.

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 He made the heaven and earth resplendent by his birth: Child of two Mothers he was meet to be implore 3 Within the range of their surpassinq power, by might, the Gods created Agni with inventive thought. 4 Eager to gain, we crave from him the friendly God strength confident, choiceworthy meet to be extolled 5 For happiness, men, having trimmed the sacred grass, set Agni glorious for his strength before them her 6 Around thy dwelling−place, O brightly−shining Priest, are men at sacrifice, whose sacred grass is trimm 7 He hath filled heaven and earth and the great realm of light, when at his birth the skilful held him in thei 8 Honour the oblation−bearer, him who knows fair rites, serve ye the Household Friend who knows all thi 9 They who are free from death, fain for him, purified three splendours of the mighty Agni, circling all. 10 Man's sacrificial food hath sharpened like an axe, for brightness, him the Sage of men, the people's Lor 11 He stirs with life in wombs dissimilar in kind, born as a Lion or a loudly−bellowing Bull: 12 Vaisvanara, as of old, mounted the cope of heaven, heaven's ridge, well greeted, by those skilled in no 13 For new prosperity we seek to Agni, him whose course is splendid, gold−haired, excellently bright, 14 As pure and swift of course, beholder of the light, who stands in heaven's bright sphere a sign, who wa 15 The cheerful Priest, the pure, in whom no guile is found, Friend of the House, praise−worthy, dear to a

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

2 Be his days ended, be he now departed, be he brought very near to death already, 3 With hundred−eyed oblation, hundred−autumned, bringing a hundred lives, have I restored him, 4 Live, waxing in thy strength, a hundred autumns, live through a hundred springs, a hundred winters. 5 So have I found and rescued thee thou hast returned with youth renewed.

2 I saw thee pondering in thine heart, and praying that in due time thy body might be fruitful. 3 In plants and herbs, in all existent beings I have deposited the germ of increase. 2 O Sinivali, set the germ, set thou the germ, Sarasvati: 3 That which the Asvins Twain rub forth with the attrition−sticks of gold,−