Rig Veda on The Soul

2 Shining to him who leaves heaven's regions undisturbed, which to his sheen who is beneath show fair in 3 Truth waits upon oblation present and to come: naught checks him in his way, this vic tory− bringing 4 These come, well−yoked, to you for furtherance in the rite: down come the twinborn strengtheners of L 5 Thou, moving beauteously in visibly pregnant ones, snatching with trees the branching plant that grasps 6 Like as he is beheld such is he said to be. 7 Surya the Sage, as if unwedded, with a Spouse, in battle−loving spirit moveth o'er the foes. 8 Thy name, sung forth by Rsis in these hymns of ours, goes to the loftier One with this swift mover's ligh 9 The chief and best of these abideth in the sea, nor doth libation fail wherein it is prolonged. 10 For it is he: with though to of Ksatra, Manasa, of Yajata, and Sadhri, and Evavada, 11 The Hawk is their full source, girth−stretching rapturous drink of Visvavara, of Mayin, and Yajata. 12 Sadaprna the holy, Tarya, Srutavit, and Bahuvrkta, joined with you, have slain the foes. 13 The worshipper's defender is Sutambhara, producer and uplifter of all holy thoughts. 11 The sacred hymns love him who wakes and watches: to him who watches come the Sama verses. 15 Agni is watchful, and the gcas love him; Agni is watchful, Sama verses seek him.

2 Indra and Agni, Hero−lords when Vrtra fell, dwelling together, speeding emulously on, 3 Skilled in the Law I lift the hymn of praise to these, Law−strengtheners, unassailed, and great in majest 4 They with their might have stayed Heaven, Earth, and Prthivi, the Lord of Light, the firmament, −the 5 Bring gifts to Mitra and to Varuna who, Lords of all, in spirit never fail the worshipper, 6 The cow who yielding milk goes her appointed way hither to us as leader of holy rites, 7 The Gods whose tongue is Agni dwell in heaven, and sit, aiders of Law, reflecting, in the seat of Law. 8 Born in the oldest time, the Parents dwelling round are sharers of one mansion in the home of Law. 9 Parjanya, Vata, mighty, senders of the rain, Indra and Vayu, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman: 10 Tvastar and Vayu, those who count as Rbhus, both celestial Hotar−priests, and Dawn for happiness, 11 They generated prayer, the cow, the horse, the plants, the forest trees, the earth, the waters, and the hill 12 O Asvins, ye delivered Bhujyu from distress, ye animated Syava, Vadhrmati's son. 13 Thunder, the lightning's daughter, Aja−Ekapad, heaven's bearer, Sindhu, and the waters of the sea: 14 With Holy Thoughts and with Purandhi may all Gods, knowing the Law immortal, Manu's Holy Ones, 15 Immortal Gods have I, Vasistha, lauded, Gods set on high above all other beings.

2 His pair of Tawny Coursers bring Indra of unresisted might 3 Slayer of Vrtra, mount thy car; thy Bay Steeds have been yoked by prayer. 4 This poured libation, Indra, drink, immortal, gladdening, excellent. 5 Sing glory now to Indra, say to him your solemn eulogies. 6 When, Indra, thou dost yoke thy Steeds, there is no better charioteer: 7 He who alone bestoweth on mortal man who offereth gifts, 8 When will he trample, like a weed, the man who hath no gift for him? 9 He who with Soma juice prepared amid the many honours thee,− 10 The juice of Soma thus diffused, sweet to the taste, the bright cows drink, 11 Craving his touch the dappled kine mingle the Soma with their milk. 12 With veneration, passing wise, honouring his victorious might, 13 With bones of Dadhyac for his arms, Indra, resistless in attack, 14 He, searching for the horse's head, removed among the mountains, found 15 Then verily they recognized the essential form of Tvastar's Bull, 16 Who yokes to−day unto the pole of Order the strong and passionate steers of checkless spirit, 17 Who fleeth forth? who suffereth? who feareth? Who knoweth Indra present, Indra near us? 18 Who with poured oil and offering honours Agni, with ladle worships at appointed seasons? 19 Thou as a God, O Mightiest, verily blessest mortal man. 20 Let not thy bounteous gifts, let not thy saving help fail us, good Lord, at any time;

2 Him, Agni, Gods and men have made their chief support, who drinks the fatness and completes the 3 Yea, we discriminate his and the niggard's ways: his branches evermore are sent forth to consume. 4 For then the net of Law, Dyaus, and the wide expanse, Earth, Worship, and Devotion meet for highest 5 Onward, with ever−roaming Rudra, speed the floods: over Aramati the Mighty have they run. 6 Straightway the Rudras, Maruts visiting all men, Falcons of Dyaus, home−dwellers with the Asura,− 7 With Indra have they found enjoyment, they who toil, in the light's beauty, in the very Strong One's 8 Even the Sun's Bay Coursers hath lie held in check: each one fears Indra as the mightiest of all. 9 With humble adoration show this day your song of praise to mighty Rudra, Ruler of the brave: 10 For these have spread abroad the fame of human kind, the Bull Brhaspati and Soma's brotherhood. 11 For these, the Earth and Heaven with their abundant seed, four−bodied Narasmsa, Yama, Aditi, 12 And may he too give car, the Sage, from far away, the Dragon of the Deep, to this our yearning call. 13 Dear to all Gods, may Pasan guard the ways we go, the Waters' child and Vayu help us to success. 14 With hymns of praise we sing him who is throned as Lord over these fearless tribes, the Self−resplend 15 By reason of his birth here Angiras first sang: the pressing−stones upraised bebeld the sacrifice−

8 May the fleet Courser's halter and his heel−ropes, the head−stall and the girths and cords about him. 9 What part of the Steed's flesh the fly hath eaten, or is left sticking to the post or hatchet, 10 Food undigested steaming from his belly, and any odour of raw flesh remaining, 11 What from thy body which with fire is roasted, when thou art set upon the spit, distilleth, 12 They who observing that the Horse is ready call out and say, the smell is good; remove it; 13 The trial−fork of the flesh−cooking caldron, the vessels out of which the broth is sprinkled, 14 The starting−place, his place of rest and rolling, the ropes wherewith the Charger's feet were fastened, 15 Let not the fire, smoke−scented, make thee crackle, nor glowing caldron smell and break to pieces. 16 The robe they spread upon the Horse to clothe him, the upper covering and the golden trappings, 17 If one, when seated, with excessive urging hath with his heel or with his whip distressed thee, 18 The four−and−thirty ribs of the. Swift Charger, kin to the Gods, the slayer's hatchet pierces. 19 Of Tvastar's Charger there is one dissector,−this is the custom−two there are who guide him. 20 Let not thy dear soul burn thee as thou comest, let not the hatchet linger in thy body. 21 No, here thou diest not, thou art not injured: by easy paths unto the Gods thou goest. 22 May this Steed bring us all−sustaining riches, wealth in good kine,good horses, manly offspring.

2 Wherewith thou bolpest Adhrigu, the great Dasagva, and the God 3 Wherewith thou dravest forth like cars Sindhu and all the mighty floods 4 Accept this laud for aid, made pure like oil, thou Caster of the Stone, 5 Be pleased, Song−lover, with this song it flows abundant like the sea. 6 The God who from afar hath sent gifts to maintain our friendship's bond, 7 The beams that mark him have grown strong, the thunder rests between his arms, 8 When, Mighty Lord of Heroes, thou didst cat a thousand buffaloes, 9 Indra consumeth with the rays of Surya the malicious man: 10 This newest thought of ours that suits the time approaches unto thee: 11 The pious germ of sacrifice directly purifies the soul. 12 Indra who wins the friend hath spread himself to drink the Soma−draught: 13 He whom the sages, living men, have gladdened, offering up their hymns, 14 Aditi also hath brought forth a hymn for Indra, Sovran Lord: 15 The ministering priests have sung their songs for aid and eulogy: 16 If, Indra, thou drink Soma by Visnu's or Trta Aptya's side, 17 Or, Sakra, if thou gladden thee afar or in the sea of air, 18 Or, Lord of Heroes if thou aid the worshipper who shed; the, juice, 19 To magnify the God, the God, Indra, yea, Indra for your help, 20 With worship, him whom men adore, with Soma, him who drinks it most, 21 His leadings are with power and might and his instructions manifold: 22 For slaying Vrtra have the Gods set Indra in the foremost place.

2 Readily have the purple beams of light shot up; the Red Cows have they harnessed, easy to be yoked. 3 They sing their song like women active in their tasks, along their common path hither from far away, 4 She, like a dancer, puts her broidered garments on: as a cow yields her udder so she bares her breast. 5 We have beheld the brightness of her shining; it spreads and drives away the darkiorne monster. 6 We have o'erpast the limit of this darkness; Dawn breaking forth again brings clear perception. 7 The Gotamas have praised Heaven's radiant Daughter, the leader of the charm of pleasant voices. 8 O thou who shinest forth in wondrous glory, urged onward by thy strength, auspicious Lady, 9 Bending her looks on all the world, the Goddess shines, widely spreading with her bright eye westward. 10 Ancient of days, again again born newly, decking her beauty with the self−same raiment. 11 She hath appeared discovering heaven's borders: to the far distance she drives off her Sister. 12 The bright, the blessed One shines forth extending her rays like kine, as a flood rolls his waters. 13 O Dawn enriched with ample wealth, bestow on us the wondrous gift 14 Thou radiant mover of sweet sounds, with wealth of horses and of kine 15 O Dawn enriched with holy rites, yoke to thy car thy purple steeds, 16 O Asvins wonderful in act, do ye unanimous direct 17 Ye who brought down the hymn from heaven, a light that giveth light to man, 18 Hither may they who wake at dawn bring, to drink Soma both the Gods

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.

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,

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 The world was swallowed and concealed in darkness: Agni was born, and light became apparent. 3 Inspired by Gods who claim our adoration, I now will laud Eternal Lofty Agni, 4 Earliest Priest whom all the Gods accepted, and chose him, and anointed him with butter, 5 Because thou, Agni, Jatavedas, stoodest at the world's head with thy refulgent splendour, 6 Head of the world is Agni in the night−time; then, as the Sun, at morn springs up and rises. 7 Lovely is he who, kindled in his greatness, hath shone forth, seated in the heavens, refulgent. 8 First the Gods brought the hymnal into being; then they engendered Agni, then oblation. 9 He, Agni, whom the Gods have generated, in whom they offered up all worlds and creatures, 10 Then by the laud the Gods engendered Agni in heaven, who fills both worlds through strength and vig 11 What time the Gods, whose due is worship, set him as Surya, Son of Aditi, in heaven, 12 For all the world of life the Gods made Agni Vaisvanara to be the days' bright Banner,− 13 The wise and holy Deities engendered Agni Vaisvanara whom age ne'er touches. 14 We call upon the Sage with holy verses, Agni Vaisvanara the ever−beaming, 15 I have heard mention of two several pathways, ways of the Fathers and of Gods and mortals. 16 These two united paths bear him who journeys born from the head and pondered with the spirit 17 Which of us twain knows where they speak together, upper and lower of the two rite−leaders? 18 How many are the Fires and Suns in number? What is the number of the Dawns and Waters? 19 As great as is the fair−winged Morning's presence to him who dwells beside us, matarisvan!

2 The Sage who knows these Gods' three ranks and orders, and all their generations near and distant, 3 I praise you Guards of mighty Law eternal, Aditi, Mitra, Varuna, the noble, 4 Lords of the brave, infallible, foe−destroyers, great Kings, bestowers of fair homes to dwell in, 5 O Heaven our Father, Earth our guileless Mother, O Brother Agni, and ye Vasus, bless us. 6 Give us not up to any evil creature, as spoil to wolf or she−wolf, O ye Holy. 7 Let us not suffer for the sin of others, nor do the deed which ye, O Vasus, punish. 8 Mighty is homage: I adopt and use it. Homage hath held in place the earth and heaven. 9 You Furtherers of Law, pure in your spirit, infallible, dwellers in the home of Order, 10 For these are they who shine with noblest splendour; through all our troubles these conduct us safely− 11 May they, Earth, Aditi, Indra, Bhaga, Pusan increase our laud, increase the Fivefold people. 12 Come now, O Gods, to your celestial station: the Bharadvajas' priest entreats your favour. 13 Agni, drive thou the wicked foe, the evil−hearted thief away, 14 Soma, these pressing−stones have called aloud to win thee for our Friend. 15 Ye, O most bountiful, are they who, led by Indra, seek the sky. 16 Now have we entered on the road that leads to bliss, without a foe, 2 Or he who holds us in contempt, O Maruts, or seeks to blame the prayer that we are making, 3 Why then, O Soma, do they call thee keeper of prayer? Why then our guardian from reproaches? 4 May Mornings as they spring to life, protect me, and may the Rivers as they swell preserve me. 5 Through all our days may we be healthy. minded, and look upon the Sun when he arises.

2 I sing to cattle and to Earth, to trees, to Dawns, to Night, to plants. 3 Forth go, with Agni, to the Gods our sacrifice of ancient use, 4 Lords of all wealth, may they be strengtheners of man, destroyers of his enemies. 5 Come to us with one mind to−day, come to us all with one accord, 6 Send us delightful things, ye Maruts, on your steeds: come ye, O Mitra, to our gifts. 7 We who have trimmed the grass for you, and set the banquet in array, 8 O Maruts, Visinu, Asvins, Pusan, haste away with minds turned hitherward to Me. 9 Ye Guileless Gods, bestow on us a refuge strong on every side, 10 Kinship have I with you, and close alliance O ye Gods, destroyers of our foes. 11 For now have I sent forth to you, that I may win a fair reward, 12 Excellent Savitar hath mounted up on high for you, ye sure and careful Guides. 13 Singing their praise with God−like thought let us invoke each God for grace, 14 For of one spirit are the Gods with mortal man, co−sharers all of gracious gifts. 15 I laud you, O ye Guileless Gods, here where we meet to render praise. 16 He makes his house endure, he gathers plenteous food who pays obedience to your will. 17 E'en without war he gathers wealth, and goes hisway on pleasant paths, 18 E'en on the plain for him ye make a sloping path, an easy way where road is none: 19 If ye appoint the rite to−day, kind Rulers, when the Sun ascends, 20 Or, Asuras, when ye have sheltered the worshipper who goes to sacrifice, at eve 21 If ye to−day at sunrise, or at noon, or in the gloom of eve, 22 Then we, imperial Rulers, claim of you this boon, your wide protection, as a son.

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 O Jatavedas with the teeth of iron, enkindled with thy flame attack the demons. 3 Apply thy teeth, the upper and the lower, thou who hast both, enkindled and destroying. 4 Bending thy shafts through sacrifices, Agni, whetting their points with song as if with whetstones, 5 Pierce through the Yatudhana's skin, O Agni; let the destroying dart with fire consume him. 6 Where now thou seest Agni Jatavedas, one of these demons standing still or roaming, 7 Tear from the evil spirit, Jatavedas, what he hath seized and with his spears hath captured. 8 Here tell this forth, O Agni: whosoever is, he himself, or acteth as, a demon, 9 With keen glance guard the sacrifice, O Agni: thou Sage, conduct it onward to the Vasus. 10 Look on the fiend mid men, as Man−beholder: rend thou his three extremities in pieces. 11 Thrice, Agni, let thy noose surround the demon who with his falsehood injures Holy Order. 12 Lead thou the worshipper that eye, O Agni, wherewith thou lookest on the hoof−armed demon. 13 Agni, what curse the pair this day have uttered, what heated word the worshippers have spoken, 14 With fervent heat exterminate the demons; destroy the fiends with burning flame, O Agni. 15 May Gods destroy this day the evil−doer may each hot curse of his return and blast him. 16 The fiend who smears himself with flesh of cattle, with flesh of horses and of human bodies, 17 The cow gives milk each year, O Man−regarder: let not the Yatudhana ever taste it. 18 Let the fiends drink the poison of the cattle; may Aditi cast off the evildoers. 19 Agni, from days of old thou slayest demons: never shall Raksasas in fight o'ercome thee. 20 Guard us, O Agni, from above and under, protect us fl−om behind us and before us; 21 From rear, from front, from under, from above us, O King, protect us as a Sage with wisdom.

20 Two Birds with fair wings, knit with bonds of friendship, in the same sheltering tree have found a refu 21 Where those fine Birds hymn ceaselessly their portion of life eternal, and the sacred synods, 22 The, tree whereon the fine Birds eat the sweetness, where they all rest and procreate their offspring,− 23 How on the Gayatri. the Gayatri was based, how from the Tristup they fashioned the Tristup forth, 24 With Gayatri he measures out the praise−song, Sama with praise−song, triplet with the Tristup. 25 With Jagati the flood in heaven he stablished, and saw the Sun in the Rathantara Saman. 26 I invocate the milch−cow good for milking so that the milker, deft of hand, may drain her. 27 She, lady of all treasure, is come hither yearning in spirit for her calf and lowing. 28 The cow hath lowed after her blinking youngling; she licks his forehead, as she lows, to form it. 29 He also snorts, by whom encompassed round the Cow laws as she clings unto the shedder of the rain. 30 That which hath breath and speed and life and motion lies firmly stablished in the midst of houses. 31 I saw the Herdsman, him who never stumbles, approaching by his pathways and departing. 32 He who hath made him cloth not comprehend him: from him who saw him surely is he hidden. 33 Dyaus is my Father, my begetter: kinship is here. This great earth is my kin and Mother. 35 This altar is the earth's extremest limit; this sacrifice of ours is the world's centre. 36 Seven germs unripened yet are heaven's prolific, seed: their functions they maintain by Visnu's ordinan 37 What thing I truly am I know not clearly: mysterious, fettered in my mind I wander. 38 Back, forward goes he, grasped by strength inherent, the Immortal born the brother of the mortal 39 Upon what syllable of holy praise−song, as twere their highest heaven, the Gods repose them,− 40 Forunate mayst thou be with goodly pasture, and may we also be exceeding wealthy.

2 Verily no one knoweth whence they sprang: they, and they only, know each other's birth. 3 They strew each other with their blasts, these Hawks: they strove together, roaring like the wind. 4 A sage was he who knew these mysteries, what in her udder mighty Prsni bore. 5 Ever victorious, through the Maruts, be this band of Heroes, nursing manly strength, 6 Most bright in splendour, flectest on their way, close−knit to glory, strong with varied power. 7 Yea, mighty is your power and firm your strength: so, potent, with the Maruts, be the band. 8 Bright is your spirit, wrathful are your minds: your bold troop's minstrel is like one inspired. 9 Ever avert your blazing shaft from us, and let not your displeasure reach us here 10 Your dear names, conquering Maruts, we invoke, calling aloud till we are satisfied. 11 Well−armed, impetuous in their haste, they deck themselves, their forms, with oblations: to you, the pu 12 Pure, Maruts, pure yourselves, are your oblations: to you, the pure, pure sacrifice I offer. 13 Your rings, O Maruts, rest upon your shoulders, and chains of gold are twined upon your bosoms. 14 Wide in the depth of air spread forth your glories, far, most adorable, ye bear your titles. 15 If, Maruts, ye regard the praise recited here at this mighty singer invocation, 16 The Maruts, fleet as coursers, while they deck them like youths spectators of a festal meeting, 17 So may the Maruts help us and be gracious, bringing free room to lovely Earth and Heaven. 18 The priest, when seated, loudly calls you, Maruts, praising in song your universal bounty. 19 These Maruts bring the swift man to a stand−still, and strength with mightier strength they break and 20 These Maruts rouse even the poor and needy: the Vasus love him as an active champion. 21 Never, O Maruts, may we lose your bounty, nor, car−borne Lords! be hitidmost when ye deal it. 22 What time the men in fury rush together for running streams, for pastures, and for houses.

22 What time the loving spirit's word had formed him Chief of all food, by statute of the Highest, 23 The Sage, Celestial, liberal, raining bounties, pours as he flows the Genuine for the Truthful. 24 He who beholds mankind, made pure with filters, the King supreme of Deities and mortals, 25 Haste, like a steed, to vittory for glory, to Indra's and to Vayu's entertainment. 26 Effused by us let God−delighting Somas bring as they flow a home with noble heroes. 27 So, God, for service of the Gods flow onward, flow, drink of Gods, for ample food, O Soma. 28 Thou, yoked by strong men, neighest like a courser, swifter than thought is, like an awful lion. 29 Sprung from the Gods, a hundred streams, a thousand, have been effused: sages prepare and purge the 30 The streams of days, were poured as 'twere from heaven: the wise King doth not treat his friend unkind 31 Now are thy streams poured forth with all their sweetness, when, purified. thou goest through the filter 32 Bright, bellowing aiong the path of Order, thou shinest as the form of life eternal. 33 Pouring out streams at the Gods' feast with service, thou, Soma, lookest down, a heavenly Eagle. 34 Three are the voices that the Courser utters: he speaks the thought of prayer, the law of Order. 35 To Soma come the Cows, the Milch−kine longing, to Soma sages with their hvmns inquiring. 36 Thus, Soma, as we pour thee into vessels, while thou art purified flow for our welfare. 37 Singer of true songs, ever−watchful, Soma hath settled in the ladles when they cleanse him. 38 Cleansed near the Sun as 'twere he as Creator hath filled full heaven and earth, and hath disclosed the 39 He, being cleansed, the Strengthener and Increaser, Soma the Bounteous, helped us with his lustre, 40 In the first vault of heaven loud roared the Ocean, King of all being, generating creatures. 41 Soma the Steer, in that as Child of Waters he chose the Gods, performed that great achievement.

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 This sweet juice here had mightiest power to gladden: it boldened Indra when he siaughtered Vrtra, 3 This stirreth up my voice when I have drunk it: this hath aroused from sleep my yearning spirit. 4 This, even this, is he who hath created the breadth of earth, the lofty height of heaven. 5 He found the wavy sea of brilliant colours in forefront of the Dawns who dwell in brightness. 6 Drink Soma boldly from the beaker, Indra, in war for treasures, Hero, Vrtra−slayer! 7 Look out for us, O Indra, as our Leader, and guide us on to gain yet goodlier treasure. 8 Lead us to ample room, O thou who knowest, to happiness, security, and sunlight. 9 Set us on widest chariot−seat, O Indra, with two steeds best to draw, O Lord of Hundreds! 10 Be gracious, Indra, let my days be lengthened: sharpen my thought as 'twere a blade of iron 11 Indra the Rescuer, Indra the Helper, Hero who listens at each invocation, 12 May helpful Indra as our good Protector, Lord of all treasures, favour us with succour, 13 May we enjoy the grace of him the Holy, yea, may we dwell in his auspicious favour. 14 Like rivers rushing down a slope, O Indra, to thee haste songs and prayers and linked verses. 15 Who lauds him, satisfies him, pays him worship? E'en the rich noble still hath found him mighty. 16 Famed is the Hero as each strong man's tamer, ever advancing one and then another. 17 He loves no more the men he loved aforetime: he turns and moves away allied with others. 18 In every figure he hath been the mode: this is his only form for us to look on. 19 Here Tvastar, yoking to the car the Bay Steeds, hath extended sway. 20 Gods, we have reached a country void of pasture the land, though spacious, was too small to hold us. 21 Day after day far from their seat he drove them, alike, from place to place, those darksome creatures. 22 Out of thy bounty, Indra, hath Prastoka bestowed ten coffers and ten mettled horses.

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 Indra and Soma, let sin round the wicked boil like as a caldron set amid the flames of fire. 3 Indra and Soma, plunge the wicked in the depth, yea, cast them into darkness that hath no support, 4 Indra and Soma, hurl your deadly crushing bolt down on the wicked fiend from heaven and from the ear 5 Indra and Soma, cast ye downward out of heaven your deadly darts of stone burning with fiery flame, 6 Indra and Soma, let this hymn control you both, even as the girth encompasses two vigorous steeds− 7 In your impetuous manner think ye both thereon: destroy these evil beings, slay the treacherous fiends. 8 Whoso accuses me with words of falsehood when I pursue my way with guileless spirit, 9 Those who destroy, as is their wont, the simple, and with their evil natures barm the righteous, 10 The fiend, O Agni, who designs to injure the essence of our food, kine, steeds, or bodies, 11 May he be swept away, himself and children: may all the three earths press him down beneath them. 12 The prudent finds it easy to distinguish the true and false: their words oppose each other. 13 Never doth Soma aid and guide the wicked or him who falsely claims the Warrior's title. 14 As if I worshipped deities of falsehood, or thought vain thoughts about the Gods, O Agni. 15 So may I die this day if I have harassed any man's life or if I be a demon. 16 May Indra slay him with a mi weapon, and let the vilest ofghty 17 She too who wanders like an owl at night−time, hiding her body in her guile and malice, 18 Spread out, ye Maruts, search among the people: seize ye and grind the Raksasas to pieces, 19 Hurl down from heaven thy bolt of stone, O Indra: sharpen it, Maghavan, made keen by Soma. 20 They fly, the demon dogs, and, bent on mischief, fain would they harm indomitable Indra. 21 Indra hath ever been the fiends' destroyer who spoil oblations of the Gods' invokers: 22 Destroy the fiend shaped like an owl or owlet, destroy him in the form of dog or cuckoo.

2 Drink it thou God who art impetuous victor, Lord of our hymns, with beauteousjaws, the Hero, 3 Drink as of old, and let the draught delight thee. hear thou our prayer and let our songs exalt thee. 4 These gladdening drops, O Indra, Self−sustainer, quaffed shall augment thee in thy mighty splendour. 5 Gladdened whereby, bursting the firm enclosures, thou gavest splendour to the Sun and Morning. 6 Thou with thy wisdom, power, and works of wonder, hast stored the ripe milk in the raw cows' udders 7 Thou hast spread out wide earth, a mighty marvel, and, high thyself, propped lofty heaven, O Indra. 8 Yea, Indra, all the Deities installed thee their one strong Champion in the van for battle. 9 Yea, e'en that heaven itself of old bent backward before thy bolt, in terror of its anger, 10 Yea, Strong One! Tvastar turned for thee, the Mighty, the bolt with thousand spikes and hundred edges 11 He dressed a hundred buffaloes, O Indra, for thee whom all accordant Maruts strengthen. 12 Thou settest free the rushing wave of waters, the floods' great swell encompassed and obstructed. 13 So may our new prayer bring thee to protect us, thee well−armed Hero with thy bolt of thunder, 14 So, Indra, form us brilliant holy singers for strength, for glory, and for food and riches. 15 With this may we obtain strength God−appointed, and brave sons gladden us through a hundred winter

2 Men have obtained his strength by sacrificing, and ever urged him, on to hero valour. 3 Associate with him, as teams of horses, help, manly might, and vigour follow Indra. 4 Lauded by us, let flow the spring, O Indra, of excellent and brightly−shining riches. 5 Hear what thou mayst hear, thou who, fain for worship, as heaven girds earth, guardest thy servant's 2 Forth to the vat the brown drops flow for service, and purified proceed directly forward. May I

2 O Indu, high o'er heaven and earth be thou, increaser of our might: 3 The winds are gracious in their love to thee, the rivers flow to thee 4 Soma, wax great. From every side may vigorous powers unite in thee: 5 For thee, brown−hued! the kine have poured imperishable oil and milk. 6 Friendship, O Indu, we desire with thee who bearest noble arms,

2 At thine effusion upward rise three voices full of joy, when thou 3 On to the fleece they urge with stone the tawny well−beloved One, 4 Flow with thy current to the sieve, O Sage most powerful to cheer, 5 Flow, Most Exhilarating! flow anointed with the milk for balm,

2 Effused as cheerer of the men, flowing best gladdener, thou art 3 Poured forth by pressing−stones, do thou with loud roar send us in a stream 4 Indu, urged forward, floweth through the fleecy cloth: the Tawny One 5 Indu, thou flowest through the fleece, bringing felicities and fame, 6 Hither, O Indu, bring us wealth in steeds and cattle hundredfold: 7 In purifying, through the sieve the rapid drops of'Soma juice 8 For Indra floweth excellent Indu, the noblest Soma juice 9 The glittering maids send Sura forth they with their song have sung aloud 10 May Pusan, drawn by goats, be our protector, and on all his paths 11 This Soma flows like gladdening oil for him who wears the braided locks: 12 This Soma juice, O glowing God, flows like pure oil, effused for thee: 13 Flow onward, Soma, in thy stream, begetter of the sages' speech: 14 The Falcon dips within the jars: he wrap.him in his robe and goes 15 Soma, thy juice hath been effused and poured into the pitcher: like 16 For Indra flow most rich in sweets, O Soma, bringing him delight. 17 They were sent forth to feast the Gods, like chariots that display their strength. 18 Brilliant, best givers of delight, these juices have sent Vayu forth. 19 Bruised by the press−stones and extolled, Soma, thou goest to the sieve, 20 This juice bruised by the pressing−stones and lauded passes through the sieve, 21 O Pavamana, drive away the danger, whether near at hand 22 This day may Pavamana cleanse us with his purifying power, 23 O Agni, with the cleansing light diffused through all thy fiery glow, 24 Cleanse us with thine own cleansing power, O Agni, that is bright with flame, 25 Savitar, God, by both of these, libation, purifying power, 26 Cleanse us, God Savitar, with Three, O Soma, with sublimest forms, 27 May the Gods' company make me clean, and Vasus make rue pure by song.

2 On flows that Ancient One whom, hitherward, from heaven, sped through the region of the air, the Falc 3 May those first freshest drops of Soma juice effused flow on, their way to bring us mighty strength in ki 4 May that much−lauded Indu, with a heart inclined to us, well−knowing, fight against our enemies. 5 The active potent juice of heaven is flowing on, great Varuna whom the forward man can ne'er deceive.

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

2 Effused, he hath, as on a car, invested him in fleecy mail: 3 Effused, this Indu hath flowed on, distilling rapture, to the fleece: 4 For thou thyself, O Indu, God, to every mortal worshipper 5 Good Vrtra−slayer, may we be still nearest to this wealth of thine 6 Whom, bright with native splendour, crushed between the pair of pressingstones− 7 Him with the fleece they purify, brown, golden−hued, beloved of all, 8 Through longing for this sap of yours ye drink what brings ability, 9 Indu at holy rites produced you, Heaven and Earth, the Friends of men, 10 For Vrtra−slaying Indra, thou, Soma, art poured that he may drink, 11 These ancient Somas, at the break of day, have flowed into the sieve, 12 Friends, may the princes, ye and we, obtain this Most Resplendent One.

2 Effused, this juice victorious flows for Indra, for his maintenance. 3 May Indra in his raptures gain from him the grasp that gathers spoil, 4 Flow vigilant for Indra, thou Soma, yea, Indu, run thou on: 5 Do thou, all−beautiful, purify for Indra's sake the mighty juice, 6 Best finder of prosperity for us, most rich in sweets for Gods, 7 O Indu, with thy streams, in might, flow for the banquet of the Gods: 8 Thy drops that swim in water have exalted Indra to delight: 9 Stream opulence to us, ye drops of Soma, pressed and purified, 10 Soma, while filtered, with his wave flows through the long wool of the sheep, 11 With songs they send the Mighty forth, sporting in wood, above the fleece: 12 Into the jars hath he been loosed, like an impetuous steed for war, 13 Gold−hued and lovely in his course, througb tangles of the wool he flows, 14 Flow thus, a faithful votary: the streams of meath have been effused.

2 Let Indra drink, O Soma, of thy juice for wisdom, and all Deities for strength. 3 So flow thou on as bright celestial juice, flow to the vast, immortal dwelling−place. 4 Flow onward, Soma, as a mighty sea, as Father of the Gods to every form. 5 Flow on, O Soma, radiant for the Gods and Heaven and Earth and bless our progeny. 6 Thou, bright Juice, art Sustainer of the sky: flow, mighty, in accordance with true Law. 7 Soma, flow splendid with thy copious stream through the great fleece as in the olden time. 8 Bom, led by men, joyous, and purified, let the Light−finder make all blessings flow: 9 Indu, while cleansed, keeping the people safe, shall give us all possessions for our own. 10 Flow on for wisdom, Soma, and for power, as a strong courser bathed, to win the prize. 11 The pressers purify this juice of thine, the Soma, for delight, and lofty fame 12 They deck the Gold−hued Infant, newlyborn, even Soma, Indu, in the sieve for Gods. 13 Fair Indu hath flowed on for rapturous joy, Sage for good fortune in the waters' lap. 14 He bears the beauteous name of Indra, that wherewith he overcame all demon foes. 15 All Deities are wont to drink of him, pressed by the men and blent with milk and curds. 16 He hath flowed forth with thousand streams effused, flowed ihsough the filter and the sheep's long wo 17 With endless genial flow the Strong hath run, purified by the waters, blent with milk. 18 Pressed out with stones, directed by the men, go fortli, O Soma, into Indra's throat. 19 The mighty Soma with a thousand streams is poured to Indra through the cleansing sieve. 20 Indu they balm with pleasant milky juice for Indra, for the Steer, for his delight. 21 Lightly, for sheen, they cleanse thee for the Gods, gold−coloured, wearing water as thy robe. 22 Indu to Indra streams, yea, downward streams, Strong, flowing to the floods, and mingling −there.