Rig Veda on Worship

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

2 May they be ever our allies, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, 3 Ye furtherers of holy Law, transport us safe o'er many woes, 4 Dear wealth be Aryaman to us, Varuna dear wealth meet for praise: 5 For Sovrans of dear wealth are ye, Adityas, not of sinner's wealth, 6 We in our homes, ye Baunteous Ones, and while we journey on the road, 7 Regard us, Indra, Visnu, here, ye Asvins and the Marut host, 8 Ye Bounteous Ones, from time of old we here set forth our brotherhood, 9 Then come with Indra for your chief, as early day, ye Bounteous Gods

2 This laud of mine, ye Asvins Twain, and this mine invitation hear, 3 Here Krsna is invoking you, O Asvins, Lords of ample wealth. 4 List, Heroes, to the singer's call, the call of Krsna lauding you, 5 Chiefs, to the sage who sings your praise grant an inviolable home, 6 Come to the worshipper's abode, Asvins, who here is lauding you, 7 Yoke to the firmly jointed car the ass which draws you, Lords of wealth. 8 Come hither, Asvins, on your car of triple form with triple seat, 9 O Asvins, O Nasatyas, now accept with favouring grace my songs,

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 On, onward to a glorious home; dear to the people void of guile, 3 He, the bright Son, when born illumed his Parents who had sprung to life, 4 Urged by the seven devotions he hath stirred the guileless rivers which 5 These helped to might theYouthful One, high over all, invincible, 6 The immortal Courser, good to draw, looks down upon the Seven: the fount 7 Aid us in holy rites, O Man: O Pavamana, drive away 8 Make the paths ready for a hymn newer and newer evermore: 9 Give, Pavamana, high renown, give kine and steeds and hero sons:

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 These hymns brought forth for thee, O Agni, laud thee for bounteous gifts, with cattle and with horses. 3 Agni I deem my Kinsman and my Father, count him my Brother and my Friend for ever. 4 Effectual, Agni, are our prayers for profit. He whom, at home thou, Priest for ever, guardest 5 Men with their arms have generated Agni, helpful as some kind friend, adorned with splendours, 6 Worship, thyself, O God, the Gods in heaven: what, void of knowledge, shall the fool avail thee? 7 Agni, be thou our Guardian and Protector bestow upon us life and vital vigour.

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 In war which wins the light, at the freegiver's call, at due oblation of the early−rising one, oblation of th 3 This food glows for thee as of old at sacrifice, wherein they made thee chooser of the place, for thou 4 So now must thy great deed be lauded as of old, when for the Angirases thou openedst the stall, openeds 5 When with wise plan the Hero leads the people forth, they conquer in the ordered battle, seeking fame, 6 Indra and Parvata, our champions in the fight, di ive ye away each man who fain would war with us, dri

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,

2 What was the place whereon he took his station? What was it that supported him? How was it? 3 He who hath eyes on all sides round about him, a mouth on all sides, arms and feet on all sides, 4 What was the tree, what wood in sooth produced it, from which they fashioned out the earth and heaven 5 Nine highest, lowest, sacrificial natures, and these thy mid−most here, O Visvakarman, 6 Bring thou thyself, exalted with oblation, O Visvakarman, Earth and Heaven to worship. 7 Let us invoke to−day, to aid our labour, the Lord of Speech, the thought−swift Visvakarman.

2 As the cow yieldeth milk, pour for us freely, Lord of the Field, the wave that beareth sweetness, 3 Sweet be the plants for us. the heavens, the waters, and full of sweets for us be air's mid−region. 4 Happily work our steers and men, may the plough furrow happily. 5 Suna and Sira, welcome ye this laud, and with the milk which ye have made in heaven 6 Auspicious Sita, come thou near: we venerate and worship thee 7 May Indra press the furrow down, may Pusan guide its course aright. 8 Happily let the shares turn up the ploughland, happily go the ploughers with the oxen.

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

2 Pass, O ye Asvins, pass away beyond all tribes of selfish men, 3 Come to us, O ye Asvin Pair, bringing your precious treasures, come 4 O strong and Good, the voice of him who lauds you well cleaves to your car. 5 Watchful in spirit, born on cars, impetuous, listing to his cry, 6 Hither, O Heroes, let your steeds, of dappled hue, yoked at the thought, 7 O Asvins, hither come to us; Nasatyas, be not disinclined. 8 Ye Lords of Splendour, free from guile, come, stand at this our sacrifice. 9 Dawn with her white herd hath appeared, and in due time hath fire been placed.

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

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 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,−

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 Strong are the Soma−draughts; come nigh: the juices fill thee with delight: 3 Joy, Indra, in the strengthening food et it content thy wish and thought, 4 Come to us thou who hast no foe: we call thee down to hymns of praise, 5 This Soma here expressed with stones and dressed with milk for thy carouse, 6 Graciously, Indra, hear my call. Come and obtain the draught, and sate 7 The Soma, Indra, which is shed in chalices and vats for thee, 8 The Soma seen within themats, as in the flood the Moon is seen, 9 That which the Hawk brought in his claw, inviolate, through the air to thee,

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 Bring us the wealth that men require, a manly master of a house, 3 Even him who would not give, do thou, 4 Clear paths that we may win the prize; scatter our enemies afar. 5 Penetrate with an awl, O Sage, the hearts of avaricious churls, 6 Thrust with thine awl, O Pusan: seek that which the niggard's heart holds dear, 7 Tear up and read in pieces, Sage, the hearts of avaricious churls, 8 Thou, glowing Pusan, carriest an awl that urges men to prayer; 9 Thou bearest, glowing Lord! a goad with horny point that guides the cows 10 And make this hymn of ours produce kine, horses, and a store of wealth

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 Like fire with flashing flame, breast−bound with chains of gold, like tempest−blasts, self−moving, swift 3 Shakers of all, like gales of wind they travel, like tongues of burning fires in their effulgence. 4 Like spokes of car−wheels in one nave united, ever victorious like heavenly Heroes, 5 They who are fleet to travel like the noblest steeds, long to obtain the prize like bounteous charioteers, 6 Born from the stream, like press−stones are the Princes, for ever like the stones that crush in pieces; 7 Like rays of Dawn, the visitors of sacrifice, they shine with ornaments as eager to be bright. 8 Gods, send us happiness and make us wealthy, letting us singers prosper, O ye Maruts.

2 Drive, Pusan, from our road the wolf, the wicked inauspicious wolf, 3 Who lurks about the path we take, the robber with a guileful heart: 4 Tread with thy foot and trample out the firebrand of the wicked one, 5 Wise Pusan, Wonder−Worker, we claim of thee now the aid wherewith 6 So, Lord of all prosperity, best wielder of the golden sword, 7 Past all pursuers lead us, make pleasant our path and fair to tread: 8 Lead us to meadows rich in grass: send on our way no early heat: 9 Be gracious to us, fill us full, give, feed us, and invigorate: 10 No blame have we for Pusan; him we magnify with songs of praise:

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

2 They bear you hither by well−orderd statute: our sacred offerings rise as if to parents. 3 With lightly−rolling car and well−yoked horses hear this, the press−stone's song, ye Wonder−Workers. 4 Remember us, and come to us, for ever men, as their wont is, invocate the Asvins. 5 Even through many regions, O ye Asvins high praise is yours among mankind, ye Mighty− 6 Ancient your home, auspicious is your friendship: Heroes, your wealth is with the house of Jahnu. 7 O Asvins, Very Mighty ones, with Vayu and with his steeds, one−minded, ever−youthful, 8 Asvins, to you are brought abundant viands in rivalry with sacred songs, unceasing. 9 Asvins, your Soma sheds delicious sweetness: drink ye thereof and come unto our dwelling.

2 The Dames of Trita with the stones onward impel this Tawny One 3 Ten active fingers carefully adorn him here; they make him bright 4 He like a falcon settles down amid the families of men. 5 This young exhilarating juice looks downward from its place in heaven, 6 Poured for the draught, this tawny juice 2 Preparing what is unprepared, and bringing store of food to man, 3 With might, bestowing power, thejuice enters the purifying sieve, 4 This is it which in rapid course hath with the river's wave flowed down 5 Inviting him frorh far away, and even from near at hand, the juice 6 In union they have sung the hymn: with stones they urge the Tawny One.

1 As a good cow to him who milks, we call the doer of fair deeds, 2 Come thou to our libations, drink of Soma; Soma−drinker thou! 3 So may we be acquainted with thine innermost benevolence: 4 Go to the wise unconquered One, ask thou of Indra, skilled in song, 5 Whether the men who mock us say, Depart unto another place, 6 Or whether, God of wondrous deeds, all our true people call us blest, 7 Unto the swift One bring the swift, man−cheering, grace of sacrifice, 8 Thou, Satakratu, drankest this and wast the Vrtras' slayer; thou 9 We strengthen, Satakratu, thee, yea, thee the powerful in fight, 10 To him the mighty stream of wealth, prompt friend ot'him who pours the juice,

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

2 As with a hundred hosts, he rushes boldly on, and for the offerer slays his foes. 3 The drops effused, the gladdening draughts, O Indra, Lover of the Son 4 The matchless draught that strengthens and gives eloquence, the sweetest of the meath drink thou, 5 Come quickly to our laud, urged on by Soma−pressers like a horse− 6 With homage have we sought thee as a Hero, strong, preeminent, with unfailing wealth. 7 If now thou art at sacrifice, or if thou art upon the earth, 8 The active, fleet−foot, tawny Coursers that are thine are swift to victory, like the Wind, 9 Indra, from thee so great we crave prosperity in wealth of kine, 10 As, Maghavan, to Kanva, Trasadasyu, and to Paktha and Dasavraja;

2 What time the grasshopper replies and swells the shrill cicala's voice, 3 And, yonder, cattle seem to graze, what seems a dwelling−place appears: 4 Here one is calling to his cow, another there hath felled a tree: 5 The Goddess never slays, unless some murderous enemy approach. 6 Now have I praised the Forest Queen, sweet−scented, redolent of balm, 2 Thou with thy magic powers didst rend the conjurer Vrtra, O Blameless One, with heart that longed for 3 God Much−invoked, take pleasure in these princes here, who, thine exalters, Maghavan, have come to 4 That man shall find delight in well−protected wealth whose care provides for him the quick−sought joy 5 Now for our band, O Maghavan, when lauded, make ample room with might, and grant us riches.

1 O COME ye hither, sit ye down: to Indra sing ye forth, your song, 2 To him the richest of the rich, the Lord of treasures excellent, 3 May he stand by us in our need and in abundance for our wealth: 4 Whose pair of tawny horses yoked in battles foemen challenge not: 5 Nigh to the Soma−drinker come, for his enjoyment, these pure drops, 6 Thou, grown at once to perfect strength, wast born to drink the Soma juice, 7 O Indra, lover of the song, may these quick Somas enter thee: 8 Our chants of praise have strengthened thee, O Satakratu, and our lauds 9 Indra, whose succour never fails, accept these viands thousandfold, 10 O Indra, thou who lovest song, let no man hurt our bodies, keep

1 INDRA the singers with high praise, Indra reciters with their lauds, 2 Indra hath ever close to him his two bay steeds and word−yoked car, 3 Indra hath raised the Sun on high in heaven, that he may see afar: 4 Help us, O Indra, in the frays, yea, frays, where thousand spoils are gained, 5 In mighty battle we invoke Indra, Indra in lesser fight, 6 Unclose, our manly Hero, thou for ever bounteous, yonder cloud, 7 Still higher, at each strain of mine, thunder−armed Indra's praises rise: 8 Even as the bull drives on the herds, he drives the people with his might, 9 Indra who rules with single sway men, riches, and the fivefold race 10 For your sake from each side we call Indra away from other men:

2 Arrows with hundred points, unconquerable, are this Indra's n−dghty arms in war. 3 What time the flowing Soma−drops have gladdened with their taste the Friend, 4 To him the peerless, who is calling you to give you aid, forth flow the drops of pleasant meath. 5 He rushes hurrying like a steed to Soma that adorns our rite, 6 Praise the strong, grasping Hero, winner of the spoil, ruling supreme oer mighty wealth. 7 Now whether thou be far away, or in the heavens, or on the earth, 8 The Bays who draw thy chariot, Steeds who injure none, surpass the wind's impetuous strength− 9 O gracious Hero, may we learn anew to know thee as thou art: 10 As, Maghavan, to Kanva at the sacred feast, to Dirghanitha thine home−friend,

20 The singers, seeking help, adorn the Sage who must be decked with songs: 21 The singers with their thoughts and hymns have, in the stream of sacrifice, 22 God, working with mankind, flow on; to Indra go thy gladdening juice: 23 O Soma, Pavamana, thou pourest out wealth that brings renown: 24 Soma thou flowest chasing foes and bringing wisdom and delight: 25 The Pavamanas have been poured, the brilliant drops of Soma juice, 26 The Pavamanas have been shed, the beautiful swift Soma−drops, 27 From, heaven, from out the firmament, hath Pavamana been effused 28 O Soma, Indu, very wise, drive, being purified, with thy stream 29 Driving the Raksasas afar, O Soma, bellowing, pour for us 30 Soma, do thou secure for us the treasures of the earih and heaven,

2 Worshipping, seeking him with adoration like some lost creature followed by its footprints, 3 On the Cow's forehead, with laborious searching, Trita, the offspring of Vibhiavas, found him. 4 Yearning, with homage, they have set and made him blithe Priest among mankind, oblation−bearer, 5 The foolish brought the ne'er−bewildered forward, great, Victor, Song−inspirer, Fort−destroyer. 6 Holding his station firmly in the houses, Trita sat down within his home surrounded 7 His are the fires, eternal, purifying, that make the houses move, whose smoke is shining, 8 The tongue of Agni bears away the praisesong, and, through his care for Earth, her operations. 9 That Agni, him whom Heaven and Earth engendered, the Waters. Tvastar, and with might, the Bhrgus, 10 Agni, whom Gods have made oblationbearer, and much−desiring men regard as holy,

ye triumphed in your heart, and onward went to liberate the flood of milk; 19 Wherewith ye brought awife for Vimada to wed, wherewith ye freely gave the ruddy cows away; 20 Wherewith ye bring great bliss to him who offers gifts, wherewith ye have protected Bhujyu, Adhrigu, 21 Wherewith ye served Krsanu where the shafts were shot, and helped the young man's horse to swiftnes 22 Wherewith ye speed the hero as he fights for kine in hero battle, in the strife for land and sons, 23 Wherewith ye, Lords of Hundred Powers, helped Kutsa, son of Aduni, gave Turviti and Dabhiti streng 24 Make ye our speech effectual, O ye Asvins, and this our hymn, ye mighty Wonder−Workers. 25 With, undiminished blessings, O ye Asvins, for evermore both night and day protect us.

2 We pray for wealth to thee most skilled of charioteers, with braided hair, 3 Bright God whose steeds are goats, thou art a stream of wealth, a treasure−heap, 4 Pusan, who driveth goats for steeds, the strong and Mighty, who is called 5 His Mother's suitor I address. May he who loves his Sister hear, 6 May the sure−footed goats come nigh, conveying Pusan on his car, 2 And he is best of charioteers. Indra, the hero's Lord, allied 3 And there the best of charioteers hath guided through the speckled cloud 4 Whate'er we speak this day to thee, Wise, Wondrous God whom many praise, 5 Lead on this company of ours, that longs for kine, to win the spoil: 6 Prosperity we crave from thee, afar from sin and near to wealth,

2 Soon as he sprang to birth that Agni was shown forth to Matarisvan in the highest firmament. 3 His flames that wax not old, beams fair to look upon of him whose face is lovely, shine with beauteous 4 Send thou with hymns that Agni to his own abode, who rules, one Sovran Lord of wealth, like Varuna, 5 He whom no force can stay, even as the Maruts' roar, like to a dart sent forth, even as the bolt from heav 6 And will not Agni find enjoyment in our praise, will not the Vasu grant our wish with gifts of wealth? 7 The kindler of the flame wins Agni as a Friend, promoter of the Law, whose face is bright with oil. 8 Keep us incessantly with guards that cease not, Agni, with guards auspicious, very mig

2 They who with might were manifest, and who willingly by their own knowledge told it forth, Evayamar 3 Who by the psalm they sing are heard, from lofty heaven, the strong, the brightly shining Ones, 4 He of the Mighty Stride forth strode, Evayamarut, out of the spacious dwelling−place, their home in 5 Like your tremendous roar, the rainer with light flashing, strong, speeding, hath made all tremble, 6 Unbounded is your greatness, ye of mighty power: may your bright vigour be our aid, Evayamarut; 7 So may the Rudras, mighty warriors, Evayamarut, with splendid brilliancy, like fires, be our protectors; 8 Come in a friendly spirit, come to us, O Maruts, and hear his call who praises you, Evayamarut. 9 Come to our sacrifice, ye Hnly Ones, to bless it, and, free from demons, hear our call, Evayamarut.

2 Waxing greatness Indra slayeth Vrtra: the Hero with his aid hath helped the singer. He gave S 4 Thou with thy greatness hast filled full, O Indra, even both the worlds with might, O thou Most Mighty. 5 A Bull begat the Bull for joy of battle, and a strong Mother brought forth him the manly. 6 The people falter not, nor suffer sorrow, who win themselves this God's terrific spirit. 7 Whene'er the elder fain would help the younger the greater cometh to the lesser's present. 8 Thy dear folk, Indra, who present oblations, are, in chief place, thy friends, O Thunder−wielder. 9 To thee the mighty hymn hath clamoured loudly, and, Maghavan, the eloquent hath besought thee. 10 Place us by food which thou hast given, O Indra, us and the wealthy patrons who command us.

2 A far−extended pillar that supports the sky the Soma−stalk, filled full, moves itself every way. 3 Wide space hath he who follows Aditi's right path, and mighty, well−made food, meath blent with Som 4 Butter and milk are drawn from animated cloud; thence Amrta is produced, centre of sacrifice. 5 The Soma−stalk hath roared, following with the wave: he swells with sap for man the skin which Gods 6 In the third region which distils a thousand streams, may the Exhaustless Ones descend with procreant 7 Soma assumes white colour when he strives to gain: the bounteous Asura knows full many a precious b 8 Yea, to the shining milk−anointed beaker, as to his goal, hath stepped the conquering Courser. 9 Soma, thy juice when thou art blended with the streams, flows, Pavamana, through the long wool of the

1 YE Asvins, rich in treasure, Lords of splendour, having nimble hands, 2 Ye Asvins, rich in wondrous deeds, ye heroes worthy of our praise, 3 Nisatyas, wonder−workers, yours arc these libations with clipt grass: 4 O Indra marvellously bright, come, these libations long for thee, 5 Urged by the holy singer, sped by song, come, Indra, to the prayers, 6 Approach, O Indra, hasting thee, Lord of Bay Horses, to the prayers. 7 Ye Visvedevas, who protect, reward, and cherish men, approach 8 Ye Visvedevas, swift at work, come hither quickly to the draught, 9 The Visvedevas, changing shape like serpents, fearless, void of guile, 10 Wealthy in spoil, enriched with hymns, may bright Sarsavad desire, 11 Inciter of all pleasant songs, inspirer o all gracious thought, 12 Sarasvati, the mighty flood,− she with be light illuminates, She brightens every pi

2 That Agni, bright, Vaisvanara, we invoke for help, and Matarisvan worthy of the song of praise; 3 Age after age Vaisvanara, neighing like a horse, is kindled with the women by the Kusikas. 4 Let them go forth, the strong, as flames of fire with might. Gathered for victory they have yoked their 5 The Maruts, Friends of men, are glorious as the fire: their mighty and resplendent succour we implore. 6 We, band on band and troop following troop, entreat with fair lauds Agni's splendour and the Maruts' 7 Agni am I who know, by birth, all creatures. Mine eye is butter, in my mouth is nectar. 8 Bearing in mind a thought with light accordant, he purified the Sun with three refinings; 9 The Spring that fails not with a hundred streamlets, Father inspired of' prayers that men should utter,

2 Born from the heaven e'en in the days aforetime, wakening, sting aloud in holy synod, 3 The Mother of the Twins hath borne Twin Children: my tongue's tip raised itself and rested silent. 4 Not one is found among them, none of mortals, to blame our sires who fought to win the cattle. 5 Where as a Friend with friendly men, Navagvas, with heroes, on his knees he sought the cattle. 6 Indra found meath collected in the milch−cow, by foot and hoof, in the cow's place of pasture. 7 He took the light, discerning it from darkness: may we be far removed from all misfortune. 8 Let there be light through both the worlds for worship: may we be far from most overwhelming evil. 9 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered,

2 Sole among chiefs, companionless, impetuous, and peerless, he 3 Lord of swift bounty, he will win e'en with a steed of worthless sort. 4 Come to us.hither: let us pay devotions that enhance thy might, 5 For thou, O Indra, makest yet more bold the spirit of the bold 6 Worthy of song, he looketh down as a man looketh into wells. 7 In strength and wisdom all the Gods, Indra, have yielded unto thee. 8 Praised, Indra, is this might of thine, best for the service of the Gods, 9 He makes the races of mankind like synods of the Beauteous One. 10 Thy might, O Indra, at its birth, thee also, and thy mental power, 11 O Vrtra−slayer, thou and I will both combine for winning spoil. 12 Let us extol this Indra as truthful and never as untrue.

2 Thy well−winged flashes strengthen in their manner, when the black Bull hath bellowed round about us. 3 When he comes streaming with the milk of worship, conducting by directest paths of Order 4 O Agni, thou who art the lord of wealth in kine, thou Son of Strength, 5 He, Agni, kindled, good and wise, must be exalted in our song: 6 O Agni, shining of thyself by night and when the morning breaks, 7 Adorable in all our rites, favour us, Agni, with thine.aid, 8 Bring to us ever−conquering wealth, wealth, Agni, worthy of our choice, 9 Give us, O Agni, through thy grace wealth that supporteth all our life, 10 O Gotama, desiring bliss present thy songs composed with care 11 May the man fall, O Agni, who near or afar assaileth us: 12 Keen and swift Agni, thousand−eyed, chaseth the Raksasas afar:

2 As these, like friends, have done this work for you, these prompt servants of Purumilha Soma−offerer, 3 The folk have glorified your birth from Earth and Heaven, to be extolled, ye Strong Ones, for your migh 4 The people prospers, Asuras! whom ye dearly love: ye, Righteous Ones, proclaim aloud the Holy Law. 5 On this great earth ye send your treasure down with might: unstained by dust, the crowding kine are in t 6 The flames with curling tresses serve your sacrifice, whereto ye sing the song, Mitra and Varuna. 7 Whoso with sacrifices toiling brings you gifts, and worships, sage and priest, fulfilling your desire,− 8 With sacrifices and with milk they deck you first, ye Righteous Ones, as if through stirrings of the mind 9 Rich strength of life is yours: ye, Heroes, have obtained through your surpassing powers rich far−extend

2 Giver of vital breath, of power and vigour, he whose commandments all the Gods acknowledge −. 3 Who by his grandeur hath become Sole Ruler of all the moving world that breathes and slumbers; 4 His, through his might, are these snow−covered mountains, and men call sea and Rasa his possession: 5 By him the heavens are strong and earth is stedfast, by him light's realm and sky−vault are supported: 6 To him, supported by his help, two armies embattled look while trembling in their spirit, 7 What time the mighty waters came, containing the universal germ, producing Agni, 8 He in his might surveyed the floods containing productive force and generating Worship. 9 Neer may he harm us who is earth's Begetter, nor he whose laws are sure, the heavens' Creator, 10 Prajapati! thou only comprehendest all these created things, and none beside thee.

1 beg renown of Varuna the Mighty, the God exceeding kind to him who worships. 3 May we be in thy keeping, O thou Leader wide−ruling Varuna, Lord of many heroes. 4 He made them flow, the Aditya, the Sustainer: the rivers run by Varuna's commandment. 5 Loose me from sin as from a bond that binds me: may we swell, Varuna, thy spring of Order. 6 Far from me, Varuna, remove all danger accept me graciously, thou Holy Sovran. 7 Strike us not, Varuna, with those dread weapons which, Asura, at thy bidding wound the sinner. 8 O mighty Varuna, now and hereafter, even as of old, will we speak forth our worship. 9 Move far from me what sins I have committed: let me not suffer, King, for guilt of others. 10 O King, whoever, be he friend or kinsman, hath threatened me affrighted in my slumber−

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

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

2 Like two plough−bulls ye move along in traces, and seek like eager guests your bidder's banquet. 3 Like the two pinions of a bird, connected, like two choice animals, ye have sought our worship. 4 Ye are our kinsmen, like two sons, two fathers, strong in your splendour and like kings for conquest; 5 You are like two pleasantly moving well−fed (hills) like Mitra and Varuna, the two bestowers of felicity 6 You are like two mad elephants bending their forequarters and smiting the foe, like the two sons of Nito 7 Fierce (Asvins), like two powerful (heroes), you enable this moving, perishable mortal (frame) to cross 8 With your bellies full of the Soma, like two saucepans, preservers of wealth, destroyers of enemies. (yo 9 Like giants, ye will find firm ground to stand on in depths, like feet for one who fords a shallow. Like c

2 Our sires with lauds burst e'en the firmset fortress, yea, the Angirases, with roar, the mountain. 3 They stablished order, made his service fruitful; then parting them among the longing faithful, 4 Since Matarisvan, far−diffused, bath stirred him, and he in every house grown bright and noble, 5 When man poured juice to Heaven, the mighty Father, he knew and freed himself from close embracem 6 Whoso, bath flames for thee within his dwelling, or brings the worship which thou lovest daily, 7 All sacrificial viands wait on Agni as the Seven mighty Rivers seek the ocean. 8 When light bath filled the Lord of men for increase, straight from the heaven descends the limpid moist 9 He who like thought goes swiftly on his journey, the Sun, alone is ever Lord of riches. 10 O Agni, break not our ancestral friendship, Sage as thou art, endowed with deepest knowledge.

2 The Gods infallible all searching found not him, the dear Babe who still is round about us. 3 Because with holy oil the pure Ones, Agni, served thee the very pure three autumn seasons, 4 Making them known to spacious earth and heaven, the holy Ones revealed the powers of Rudra. 5 Nigh they approached, one−minded, with their spouses, kneeling to him adorable paid worship. 6 Soon as the holy beings had discovered the thrice−seven mystic things contained within thee, 7 Thou, Agni, knower of men's works, hast sent us good food in constant course for our subsistence: 8 Knowing the Law, the seven strong floods from heaven, full of good thought, discerned the doors of ric 9 They who approached all noble operations making a path that leads to life immortal, 10 When Gods immortal made both eyes of heaven, they gave to him the gift of beauteous glory. No

2 Let us declare aloud the name of Ghrta, and at this sacrifice hold it up with homage. 3 Four are his horns, three are the feet that bear him; his heads are two, his hands are seven in number. 4 That oil in triple shape the Gods discovered laid down within the Cow, concealed by Panis. 5 From inmost reservoir in countless channels flow down these rivers which the foe beholds not. 6 Like rivers our libations flow together, cleansing themselves in inmost heart and spirit. 7 As rushing down the rapids of a river, flow swifter than the wind the vigorous currents, 9 As maidens dock themselves with gay adornment to join the bridal feast, I now behold them. 10 Send to our eulogy a herd of cattle bestow upon us excellent possessions. 11 The universe depends upon thy power and might within the sea, within the heart, within all life.

2 He, Friend of man, most wise, victorious Hero, hears, with far−reaching aid, the singer call him. 3 The lofty axle of thy wheels, O Hero, is not surpassed by heaven and earth in greatness. 4 Strong Lord, thine energies, endowed with vigour, are like the paths of kine converging homeward. 5 One act to−day, another act tomorrow oft Indra makes what is not yet existeni. 6 By song and sacrifice men brought the waters from thee, as from a mountain's ridge, O Indra. 7 That Indra whom nor months nor autumn seasons wither with age, nor fleeting days enfeeble,− 8 Extolled, he bends not to the strong, the steadfast, nor to the bold incited by the Dasyu. 9 Impetuous Speeder through all depth and distance, give strengthening food, thou drinker of the juices. 10 Hasting to help, come hither and protect him, keep him from harm when he is here, O Indra.

2 Like a steed neighing eager for the pasture, when he hath stepped forth from the great enclosure: 3 From thee a Bull but newly born, O Agni, the kindled everlasting flames rise upward. 4 Thou whose fresh lustre o'er the earth advanceth when greedily with thy jaws thy food thou eatest. 5 The men have decked him both at eve and morning, Most Youthful Agni, as they tend a courser. 6 O fair of face, beautiful is thine aspect when, very near at hand, like gold thou gleamest, 7 That we may worship, with your Hail to Agni! with sacrificial cakes and fat oblations, 8 Thine are resistless songs for him who offers, and hero−giving hymns wherewith thou savest; 9 When forth he cometh, like an axe new−sharpened, pure in his form, resplendent in his body, 10 Shine this felicity on us, O Agni: may we attain to perfect understanding.