Rig Veda on Wealth

1 INDRA and Agni I invoke fain are we for their song of praise 2 Praise ye, O men, and glorify Indra−Agni in the holy rites: 3 Indra and Agni we invite, the Soma−drinkers, for the fame 4 Strong Gods, we bid them come to this libation that stands ready here: 5 Indra and Agni, mighty Lords of our assembly, crush the fiends: 6 Watch ye, through this your truthfulness, there in the place of spacious view 1 WAKEN the Asvin Pair who yoke their car at early morn: may they 2 We call the Asvins Twain, the Gods borne in a noble car, the best 3 Dropping with honey is your whip, Asvins, and full of pleasantness 4 As ye go thither in your car, not far, O Asvins, is the home 5 For my protection I invoke the golden−handed Savitar. 6 That he may send us succour, praise the Waters' Offspring Savitar: 7 We call on him, distributer of wondrous bounty and of wealth, 8 Come hither, friends, and seat yourselves Savitar, to be praised by us, 9 O Agni, hither bring to us the willing Spouses of the Gods, 10 Most youthful Agni, hither bring their Spouses, Hotra, Bharati, 11 Spouses of Heroes, Goddesses, with whole wings may they come to us 12 Indrani, Varunani, and Agnayi hither I invite, 13 May Heaven and Earth, the Mighty Pair, bedew for us our sacrifice, 14 Their water rich with fatness, there in the Gandharva's steadfast place, 15 Thornless be thou, O Earth, spread wide before us for a dwelling−place: 16 The Gods be gracious unto us even from the place whence Visnu strode 17 Through all this world strode Visnu; thrice his foot he planted, and the whole 18 Visnu, the Guardian, he whom none deceiveth, made three steps; thenceforth 19 Look ye on Visnu's works, whereby the Friend of Indra, close−allied, 20 The princes evermore behold that loftiest place where Visnu is, 21 This, Vishnu's station most sublime, the singers, ever vigilant,

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

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 Not far for thee are mid−air's loftiest regions: start hither, Lord of Bays, with thy Bay Horses. 3 Fair cheeks hath Indra, Maghavan, the Victor, Lord of a great host, Stormer, strong in action. 4 For, overthrowing what hath ne'er been shaken, thou goest forth alone destroying Vrtras. 5 Yea, Much−invoked! in safety through thy glories alone thou speakest truth as Vrtra's slayer. 6 Forthwith thy Bay steeds down the steep, O Indra, forth, crushing foemen, go thy bolt of thunder! 7 The man to whom thou givest as Provider enjoys domestic plenty undivided. 8 Thou, Indra, Much−invoked! didst crush to pieces Kunaru handless fiend who dwelt with Danu. 9 Thou hast established in her seat, O Indra, the level earth, vast, vigorous, unbounded. 10 He who withheld the kine, in silence I yielded in fear before thy blow, O Indra. 11 Indra alone filled full the earth and heaven, the Pair who meet together, rich in treasures. 12 Surya transgresses not the ordered limits set daily by the Lord of Tawny Coursers. 13 Men gladly in the course of night would look on the broad bright front of the refulgent Morning; 14 A mighty splendour rests upon her bosom: bearing ripe milk the Cow, unripe, advances. 15 Barring the way they come. Be firm, O Indra; aid friends to sacrifice and him who singeth. 16 A cry is beard from enemies most near us: against them send thy fiercest−flaming weapon. 17 Root up the race of Raksasas, O Indra rend it in front and crush it in the middle. 18 When borne by strong Steeds for our weal, O Leader, thou seatest thee at many noble viands. 19 Bestow on us resplendent wealth. O Indra let us enjoy thine overflow of bounty. 20 With kine and horses satisfy this longing with very splendid bounty skill extend it. 21 Lord of the kine, burst the kine's stable open: cows shall be ours, and strength that wins the booty. 22 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in this fight where spoil is gathered,

2 Mark the Law, thou who knowest, yea, observe it: send forth the full streams of eternal Order. 3 How hast thou, follower of the Law eternal, become the knower of a new song, Agni? 4 Who, Agni, in alliance with thy foeman, what splendid helpers won for them their riches? 5 Agni, those friends of thine have turned them from thee: gracious of old, they have become ungracious. 6 He who pays sacrifice to thee with homage, O Agni, keeps the Red Steer's Law eternal;

2 She comes in front, fair, rousing up the people, making the pathways easy to be travelled. 3 She, harnessing her car with purple oxen. injuring none, hath brought perpetual riches. 4 With changing tints she gleams in double splendour while from the eastward she displays her body. 5 As conscious that her limbs are bright with bathing, she stands, as 'twere, erect that we may see her. 6 The Daughter of the Sky, like some chaste woman, bends, opposite to men, her forehead downward.

2 Thou art our Bhaga to send wealth thou dwellest, like circumambient air, with wondrous splendour. 3 Agni! the hero slays with might his foeman; the singer bears away the Pani's booty− 4 The man who, Son of Strength 1 with sacrifices, hymns, lauds, attracts thy fervour to the altar, 5 Grant, Son of Strength, to men for their subsistence such things as bring high fame and hero children. 6 Eloquent, Son of Strength, Most Mighty, Agni, vouchsafe us seed and offspring, full of vigour.

2 Yea, your birth, Maruts, was with wild commotion, ye who move swiftly, fierce in wrath, terrific. 3 Give ample vital power unto our princes let our fair praises gratify the Maruts. 4 Your favoured singer counts his wealth by hundreds: the strong steed whom ye favour wins a thousand. 5 I call, as such, the Sons of bounteous Rudra: will not the Maruts turn again to us−ward? 6 This eulogy of the Bounteous hath been spoken: accept, ye Maruts, this our hymn of praises.

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.

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 For thou hast ever been the Car−driver, Agni, of noble 3 Through these our praises come thou to meet us, bright as the sunlight, 4 Now may we serve thee singing these lauds this day to thee, Agni. 5 just at this time of the day and the night thy look is the sweetest. 6 Spotless thy body, brilliant as gold, like clarified butter: 7 All hate and mischief, yea, if committed, Agni, thou turnest, 8 Agni, with you Gods, prosperous be our friendships and kinships.

2 Thou, all men's friend, Visvamanas, exaltest Agni with thy song, 3 Whose resolute assault, to win vigour and food, deserves our praise,− 4 Up springs the imperishable flame, the flame of the Refulgent One 5 Skilled in fair sacrifice, extolled, arise in Godlike loveliness, 6 Called straight to our oblations, come, O Agni, through our eulogies, 7 I call your Agni, from of old Invoking Priest of living men: 8 Whom, wondrous wise, they animate with solemn rites and his fair form, 9 Him, true to Law, who perfecteth the sacrifice,. Law−loving ones! 10 May all our sacrifices go to him the truest Angiras, 11 Imperishable Agni, thine are all these high enkindled lights, 12 So give us, Lord of Power and Might, riches combined with hero strength, 13 Soon as the eager Lord of men is friendly unto Manti's race, 14 O Hero Agni, Lord of men, on hearing this new laud of mine, 15 No mortal foe can e'er prevail by arts of magic over him 16 Vyasva the sage, who sought the Bull, hath won thee, finder of good things: 17 Usana Kavya stablished thee, O Agni, as Invoking Priest: 18 All Deities of one accord appointed thee their messenger: 19 Him may the mortal hero make his own immortal messenger. 20 With lifted ladles let us call him splendid with his brilliant flame, 21 The man who pays the worship due to him with sacrificial gifts 22 To Jatavedas Agni, chief in sacrifices, first of all 23 Even as Vyatya did, may we with these most high and liberal hymns 24 Now sing, as Sthurayupa sang, with lands to him who spreadeth far, 25 As welcome guest of human kind, as offspring of the forest kings, 26 For men's oblations brought to him who is the mighty Lord of all, 27 Grant us abundant. treasures, grant the opulence which many crave, 28 Agni, Most Youthful of the Gods, send evermore the gift of wealth 29 A mighty Conqueror art thou, O Agni, so disclose to us 30 Thou, Agni, art a glorious God: bring hither Mitra, Varuna,

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

29 My praises when the Sun hath risen, my praises at the time of noon, 30 Praise yea, praise him. Of princes these are the most liberal of their gifts, 31 When to the car, by faith, I yoked the horses longing for the way− 32 May he who gave me two brown steeds together with their cloths of gold, 33 Playoga's son Asanga, by ten thousand, O Agni, hath surpassed the rest in giving. 34 What time her husband's perfect restoration to his lost strength and manhood was apparent,

2 When, Bright Ones, fain to show your might ye have determined on your course, 3 Loud roaring with the winds the Sons of Prsni have upraised themselves: 4 The Maruts spread the mist abroad and make mountains rock and reel, 5 What time the rivers and the hills before your coming bowed them down, 6 We call on you for aid by night, on you for succour in the day, 7 These, verily, wondrous, red of hue, speed on their courses with a roar 8 With might they drop the loosened rein so that the Sun may run his course, 9 Accept, ye Maruts, this my song, accept ye this mine hymn of praise, 10 The dappled Cows have poured three lakes, meath for the Thunder−wielding God, 11 O Maruts, quickly come to us when, longing for felicity, 12 For, Rudras and Rbhuksans, ye, Most Bountiful, are in the house, 13 O Maruts, send us down from heaven riches distilling rapturous joy, 14 When, Bright Ones, hither from the hills ye have resolved to take your way, 15 Man should solicit with his lauds happiness which belongs to them, 16 They who like fiery sparks with showers of rain blow through the heaven and earth, 17 With chariots and tumultuous roar, with tempests and with hymns of praise 18 For wealth, we think of that whereby ye aided Yadu, Turvasa, 19 May these our viands Bounteous Ones I that flow in streams like holy oil, 20 Where, Bounteous Lords for whom the grass is trimmed, are ye rejoicing now? 21 Is it not there where ye of old, supplied with sacred grass, for lauds 22 They brought together both the worlds, the mighty waters, and the Sun, 23 They sundered Vrtra limb from limb and split the gloomy mountain−clouds, 24 They reinforced the power and strength of Trita as he fought, and helped 25 They deck themselves for glory, bright, celestial, lightning in their hands, 26 When eagerly ye from far away came to the cavern of the Bull, 27 Borne by your golden−footed steeds, O Gods, come hither to receive 28 When the red leader draws along their spotted deer yoked to the car.

2 Laid in the bowl, pure−flowing on to Vayu and the Asvins, may 3 Soma, as thou art purified, incite to bounty Indra's heart, 4 The ten swift fingers deck thee forth, seven ministers impel thee on: 5 When through the filter thou art poured, we clothe thee with a robe of milk 6 When purified within the jars, Soma, brightred and golden−hued, 7 Flow on to us and make us rich. Drive all our enemies away. 9 May we obtain thee, Indra's drink, who viewest men and findest light,

2 Guardians infallible, eager as envoys' preserve us safe through many months and autumns. 3 Wise, bright, arranger of his teams, he. seeketh men with rich food whose treasures are abundant. 4 So far as native power and strength permit you, so far as men behold whose eyes have vision, 5 Driving down teams that bear the lovely Heroes, hitherward, Indra−Vayu, come together. 6 Your hundred and your thousand teams, O Indra and Vayu, all−munificent, which attend you, 7 Like coursers seeking fame will we Vasisthas, O Indra−Vayu, with our fair laudations,

2 Flashing like fire, be thou, O conquering Manyu, invoked, O Victor, as our army's leader. 3 O Manyu, overcome thou our assailant on! breaking, slaying, crushing down the foemen. 4 Alone or many thou art worshipped, Manyu: sharpen the spirit of each clan for battle. 5 Unyielding bringing victory like Indra, O Manyu, be thou here our Sovran Ruler. 6 Twin−born with power, destructive bolt of thunder, the highest conquering might is thine, Subduer! 7 For spoil let Varuna and Manyu give us the wealth of both sides gathered and collected;

2 Let the impatient Portals be thrown open bring thou the Gods impatient to come hither. 3 Taste, Agni: serve the Gods with our oblation. Offer good sacrifices, Jatavedas! 4 Let Jatavedas pay fair sacrifices, worship andgratify the Gods Immortal. 5 Wise God, win for us things that are all−goodly, and let the prayers, we pray today be fruitful. 6 Thee, even thee, the Son of Strength, O Agni, those Gods have made the bearer of oblations. 7 To thee the God may we perform our worship: do thou, besought, grant us abundant riches.

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 Him have they praised, mid−point of sacrifices, great cistern of libations, seat of riches. 3 From thee, O Agni, springs the mighty singer, from thee come heroes who subdue the foeman. 4 To thee, Immortal! when to life thou springest, all the Gods sing for joy as to their infant. 5 Agni Vaisvanara, no one hath ever resisted these thy mighty ordinances, 6 The summits of the heaven are traversed through and through by the Immortal's light, Vaisvanara's 7 Vaisvanara, who measured out the realms of air, Sage very wise who made the lucid spheres of heaven,

2 What then? As men whose fields are full of barley reap the ripe corn removing it in order, 3 Men come not with one horse at sacred seasons; thus they obtain no honour in assemblies. 4 Ye, Asvins, Lords of Splendour, drank full draughts of grateful Soma juice, 5 As parents aid a son, both Asvins, Indra, aided thee with their wondrous Powers and wisdom. 6 Indra is strong to save, rich in assistance may he, possessing all, be kind and gracious. 7 May we enjoy his favour, his the Holy may we enjoy his blessed loving kindness.

1 BEAUTIFUL Vayu, come, for thee these Soma drops have been prepared: 2 Knowing the days, with Soma juice poured forth, the singers glorify 3 Vayu, thy penetrating stream goes forth unto the worshipper, 4 These, Indra−Vayu, have been shed; come for our offered dainties' sake: 5 Well do ye mark libations, ye Vayu and Indra, rich in spoil 6 Vayu and Indra, come to what the Soma. presser hath prepared: 7 Mitra, of holy strength, I call, and foe−destroying Varuna, 8 Mitra and Varuna, through Law, lovers and cherishers of Law, 9 Our Sages, Mitra−Varuna, wide dominion, strong by birth,

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.

1 I Laud Agni, the chosen Priest, God, minister of sacrifice, 2 Worthy is Agni to be praised by living as by ancient seers. 3 Through Agni man obtaineth wealth, yea, plenty waxing day by day, 4 Agni, the perfect sacrifice which thou encompassest about 5 May Agni, sapient−minded Priest, truthful, most gloriously great, 6 Whatever blessing, Agni, thou wilt grant unto thy worshipper, 7 To thee, dispeller of the night, O Agni, day by day with prayer 8 Ruler of sacrifices, guard of Law eternal, radiant One, 9 Be to us easy of approach, even as a father to his son:

2 Bright juices bitherward have sped thee, Indra, Lover of the Song. 3 Drink Soma to inspirit thee, juice, Indra, which the Falcon brought: 4 O Indra, hear Tirasci's call, the call of him who serveth thee. 5 For he, O Indra, hath produced for thee the newest gladdening song, 6 That Indra will we laud whom songs and hymns of praise have magnified. 7 Come now and let us glorify pure Indra with pure Sama hymns. 8 O Indra, come thou pure to us, with pure assistance, pure thyself. 9 O Indra, pure, vouchsafe us wealth, and, pure, enrich the worshipper.

2 The waters and the plants, O Indra−Varuna, had efficacious vigour, and attained to might: 3 True is your Krsa's word, Indra and Varuna: The seven holy voices pour a wave of meath. 4 Dropping oil, sweet with Soma, pouring forth their stream, are the Seven Sisters in the seat of sacrifice. 5 To our great happiness have we ascribed to these Two Bright Ones truthfulness, great strength, and 6 What ye in time of old Indra and Varuna, gave Rsis revelation, thought, and power of song, 7 O Indra−Varuna, grant to the worshippers cheerfulness void of pride, and wealth to nourish them.

2 As mother kine low to their calves, to Indra have the sages called, 3 In the stream's wave wise Soma dwells, distilling rapture, in his seat, 4 Far−sighted Soma, Sage and Seer, is worshipped in the central point 5 In close embraces Indu holds Soma when 6 Indu sends forth a voice on high to regions of the sea of air, 7 The Tree whose praises never fail yields heavenly milk among our hymns, 8 The Wise One, with the Sage's stream, the Soma urged to speed, flows on 9 O Pavamana, bring us wealth bright with a thousand splendours. Yea.

2 Blest be the wood that feeds the active Agni: within the two great worlds hath Agni entered. 3 Agni rejoiced the car of him who praised lim, and from the waters burnt away jarutha. 4 Agni hath granted wealth that decks the hero, and sent the sage who wins a thousand cattle. 5 With songs of praise the Rsis call on Agni; on Agni, heroes worsted in the foray. 6 Races of human birth pay Agni worship, men who have sprung from Nahus' line adore him. 7 The Rbhus fabricated prayer for Agni, and we with mighty hymns have called on Agni.

1 ALL sacred songs have magnified Indra expansive as the sea, 2 Strong in thy friendship, Indra, Lord of power and might, we have no fear. 3 The gifts of Indra from of' old, his saving succours, never fail, 4 Crusher of forts, the young, the wise, of strength unmeasured, was he born 5 Lord of the thunder, thou didst burst the cave of Vala rich in cows. 6 I, Hero, through thy bounties am come to the flood addressing thee. 7 The wily Susna, Indra! thou o'er−threwest with thy wondrous powers. 8 Our songs of praise have glorified Indra who ruleth by his might,

2 Ye, Gods, are providence and ye are power: remove ye utterly all those who hate us. 3 What service may we do you with our future, what service, Vasus, with our ancient friendship? 4 Ye, O ye Gods, are verily our kinsmen as such be kind to me who now implore you. 5 I singly have sinned many a sin against you, and ye chastised me as a sire the gambler. 6 Turn yourselves hitherward this day, ye Holy, that fearing in my heart I may approach you. 7 May I not live, O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal, dear friend's destitution.

2 Indra, whom many laud, accept the strength−conferring Soma juice: 3 Indra, with all the Gods promote our wealth−bestowing sacrifice, 4 Lord of the brave, to thee proceed these drops of Soma juice expressed, 5 Within thy belly, Indra, take juice, Soma the most excellent: Thine are the drops celestial. 6 Drink our libation, Lord of hymns: with streams of meath thou art bedewed 7 To Indra go the treasures of the worshipper, which never fail: 8 From far away, from near at hand, O Vrtra−slayer, come to us: 9 When from the space between the near and far thou art invoked by us,

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 Thou who subduedst Ayu, Kutsa, Atithigva, waxing daily in thy might, 3 The pressing−stones shall pour for us the essence of the meath of all, 4 Repel all enmities and keep thern far away: let all win treasure for their own. 5 Come, Indra, very near to us with aids of firmly−based resolve; 6 Bless thou with progeny the chief of men, the lord of heroes, victor in the fray. 7 May we be such in battle as are surest to obtain thy grace: 8 Thine, Lord of Bays, am I. Prayer longeth for the spoil. Still with thy help I seek the fight.

2 Sing forth, ye men who long for help, to Pavamana, to the Sage, 3 The Soma−drops with thousand powers are purified for victory, 4 Yea, as thou flowest bring great store of food that we may win the spoil 5 May they in flowing give us wealth in thousands, and heroic power,− 6 Like coursers by their drivers urged, they were poured forth, for victory, 7 Noisily flow the Soma−drops, like milch−kine lowing to their calves: 8 As Gladdener whom Indra loves, O Pavamana, with a roar 9 O Pavamamas, driving off the godless, looking on the light, Sit in the place of s

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

2 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 For ye were strong to gain, exceeding mighty, growing together, waxing in your vigour. 3 Yea when the strong have entered our assembly, and singers seeking with their hymns your favour, 4 The singer, seeking with his hymns your favour, begs splendid riches of their first possessor. 5 When two great hosts, arrayed against each other, meet clothed with brightness, in the fierce encounter 6 To this our Soma−pressing, Indra−Agni, come ye prepared to show your loving−kindness, 7 So Agni, kindled mid this adoration, invite thou Mitra, Varuna, and Indra. 8 While we accelerate these our sacrifices, may we win strength from both of you, O Agni:

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

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 Come ye Adityas for our full prosperity, in conquests of the foe, ye Gods, bring joy to us. 3 May the most glorious Fathers aid us, and the two Goddesses, Mothers of the Gods, who strengthen La 4 To mighty Narasamsa, strengthening his might, to Pusan, ruler over men, we pray with hymns. 5 Brhaspati, make us evermore an easy path: we crave what boon thou hast for men in rest and stir. 6 Sunk in the pit the Rsi Kutsa called, to aid, Indra the Vrtra−slayer, Lord of power and might. 7 May Aditi the Goddess guard us with the Gods: may the protecting God keep us with ceaseless care.

2 The various doings of all mortal people by thee are ordered, in thy wisdom, Indra. 3 That spear of thine sat firm for us, O Indra: the Maruts set their whole dread power in motion. 4 Vouchsafe us now that opulence, O Indra, as guerdon won by mightiest donation. 5 With thee, O Indra, are most bounteous riches that further every one who lives uprightly. 6 Bring forth the Men who rain down boons, O Indra: exert thee in the great terrestrial region; 7 Heard is the roar of the advancing Maruts, terrific, glittering, and swiftly moving, 8 Give to the Manas, Indra with Maruts, gifts universal, gifts of cattle foremost.

2 He, Narasamsa, ne'er beguiled, inspiriteth this sacrifice: 3 Adored, O Agni, hither bring Indra the Wonderful, the Friend, 4 Spread thyself out, thou soft as wool The holy hymns have sung to thee. 5 Open yourselves, ye Doors Divine, easy of access for our aid: 6 Fair strengtheners of vital power, young Mothers of eternal Law, 7 On the wind's flight come, glorified, ye two celestial Priests of man 8 l! Sarasvati, Mahl, three Goddesses who tring us weal, 9 Rich in all plenty, Tvastar, come auspicious of thine own accord 10 Vanaspati, wherever thou knowest the Gods' mysterious names, 11 To Agni and to Varuna, Indra, the Maruts, and the Gods,

2 O Asvins, like a pair of deer, like two wild cattle to the mead: 3 O Asvins rich in gifts, accept our sacrifice to prosper it: 4 As Atri when descending to the cavem called on you loudly like a wailing woman. 5 Tree, part asunder like the side of her who bringeth forth a child. 6 For Saptavadhri, for the seer affrighted when he wept and wafled, 7 Like as the wind on every side ruffles a pool of lotuses, 8 Like as the wind, like as the wood, like as the sea is set astir, 9 The child who hath for ten months' time been lying in his mother's side,−

1 WHAT deed hath Indra done in the wild transport, in quaffing or in friendship with, the Soma? 2 In its wild joy Indra hath proved him faithful, faithful in quaffing, faithful in its friendship. 3 All thy vast power, O Maghavan, we know not, know not the riches of thy full abundance. 4 This one great power of thine our eyes have witnessed, wherewith thou slewest Varasikha's children, 5 In aid of Abhyavartin Cayamana, Indra destroyed the seed of Varasikha. 6 Three thousand, mailed, in quest of fame, together, on the Yavyavati, O much−sought Indra, 7 He, whose two red Steers, seeking goodly pasture, plying their tongues move on 'twixt earth and heaven

2 Thus, Indra−Agnip verily your greatness merits loftiest praise, 3 These who delight in flowing juice, like fellow horses at their food, 4 Indra and Agni, Friends of Law, served with rich gifts, your speech is kind 5 What mortal understands, O Gods, Indra and Agni, this your way? 6 First, Indra−Agni, hath this Maid come footless unto those with feet. 7 E'en now, O Indra−Agni, men hold in their arms and stretch their bows. 8 The foeman's sinful enmities, Indra and Agni, vex me sore. 9 Indra and Agni, yours are all the treasures of the heavens and earth. 10 O Indra−Agni, who accept the laud, and hear us for our praise,

2 Ye who inspire all hymns, Indra and Visnu, ye vessels who contain the Soma juices, 3 Lords of joy−giving draughts, Indra and Visnu, come, giving gifts of treasure, to the Soma. 4 May your foe−conquering horses bring you hither, Indra and Visnu, sharers of the banquet. 5 This your deed, Indra−Visnu, must be lauded: widely ye strode in the wild joy of Soma. 6 Strengthened with sacred offerings, IndraVisnu, first eaters, served with worship ana oblation, 7 Drink of this meath, O Indra, thou, and Visnu; drink ye your fill of Soma, Wonder−Workers. 8 Ye Twain have conquered, ne'er have yc been conquered: never hath either of the Twain been vanquish

2 Ye bounteous riders on the car, ye Vrtra−slayers unsubdued: 3 The men with pressing−stones have pressed this meath of yours which gives delight: 4 Accept our sacrifice for weal, sharers of praise! the Soma shed: 5 Be pleased with these libations which attract you to our sacred gifts 6 Accept this eulogy of mine whose model is the Gayatri: 7 Come with the early−faring Gods, ye who are Lords of genuine wealth: 8 Hear ye the call of Atris, hear Syavasva as he sheds the juice: 9 Thus have I called you to our aid as sages called on you of old: 10 Indra's and Agni's grace I claim, Sarasvati's associates

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

2 Let not man's guile annoy us, secret or by day: give not us up a prey to these calamities. 3 Bring hither with benignant mind the willing Cow teeming with plenteous milk, full, inexhaustible. 4 With eulogy I call on Raka swift to hear may she, auspicious, hear us, and herself observe. 5 All thy kind thoughts, O Raka, lovely in their form, wherewith thou grantest wealth to him who offers 6 O broad−tressed Sinivali, thou who art the Sister of the Gods, 7 With lovely fingers, lovely arms, prolific Mother of many sons− 8 Her, Sinivali, her, Gungu, her, Raka, her, Sarasvati, Indrani to mine aid I call, and Vartunani for my wea

3 The Vrtra−slayer smote them all as spokes are hammered into naves: 4 Then Indra at a single draught drank the contents of thirty pails, 5 Indra in groundless realms of space pierced the Gandharva through, that he 6 Down from the mountains Indra shot hither his well−directed shaft: 7 One only is that shaft of thine, with thousand feathers, hundred barbs, 8 Strong as the gbhus at thy birth, therewith to those who praise thee, men, 9 By thee these exploits were achieved, the mightiest deeds, abundantly: 10 All these things Visnu brought, the Lord of ample stride whom thou hadst sent− 11 Most deadly is thy bow, successful, fashioned well: good is thine arrow, decked with gold.

2 He spread the wide earth out and firmly fixed it, smote with his thunderbolt and loosed the waters. 3 Armed with his bolt and trusting in his prowess he wandered shattering the forts of Dasas. 4 For him who thus hath taught these human races, Maghavan, bearing a fame−worthy title, 5 See this abundant wealth that he possesses, and put your trust in Indra's hero vigour. 6 To him the truly strong, whose deeds are many, to him the strong Bull let us pour the Soma. 7 Well didst thou do that hero deed, O Indra, in waking with thy bolt the slumbering Ahi. 8 As thou hast smitten Susna, Pipru, Vrtra and Kuyava, and Sambara's forts O Indra.

2 'Tis Agni whom we laud as good, to whom the milch−kine come in herds, 3 Agni the God of all mankind, gives, verily, a steed to man. 4 God, Agni, we will kindle thee, rich in thy splendour, fading not, 5 To thee the splendid, Lord of flame, bright, wondrous, Prince of men, is brought. 6 These Agnis in the seats of the fire nourish each thing most excellent. 7 Agni, these brilliant flames of thine wax like strong chargers mightily, 8 To us who laud thee, Agni, bring fresh food and safe and happy homes. 9 Thou, brilliant God, within thy mouth warmest both ladies of the oil. 10 Thus Agni have we duly served with sacrifices and with hymns.

2 The mighty glittering band, arm−bound with bracelets, givers of bliss, unmeasured in their greatness, 3 This day may all your water−bringers, Maruts, they who impel the falling rain, approach us. 4 Ye raise up for the folk an active ruler whom, Holy Ones! a Master's hand hath fashioned. 5 They spring forth more and more, strong in their glories, like days, like spokes where none are last in or 6 When ye have hastened on with spotted coursers, O Maruts, on your cars with strong−wrought fellies, 7 Even Earth hath spread herself wide at their coming, and they as husbands have with power impregned 8 Ho! Maruts, Heroes, skilled in Law, immortal, be gracious unto us, ye rich in treasures,