Rigveda 7:1-104.

1 - Agni

The men from fire-sticks, with their hands' swift movement, have, in deep thought, engendered glorious Agni,

Far-seen, with pointed flame, Lord of the homestead. (1)

The Vasus set that Agni in the dwelling, fair to behold, for help from every quarter:

Who, in the home forever, must be honoured. (2)

Shine you before us, Agni, well-enkindled, with flame, Most Youthful God, that never fadeth.

To you come all our sacrificial viands. (3)

Among all fires these fires have shone most brightly, splendid with light, begirt by noble heroes,

Where men of lofty birth sit down together. (4)

Victorious Agni, grant us wealth with wisdom, wealth with brave sons, famous and independent,

Which not a foe who deals in magic conquers. (5)

To whom, the Strong, at morn and eve comes, maid-like, the ladle dropping oil, with its oblation.

Wealth-seeking comes to him his own devotion. (6)

Burn up all malice with those flames, Agni, wherewith of old you burntest up Jarutha,

And drive away in silence pain and sickness. (7)

With him who lights up your splendour, Agni, excellent, pure, refulgent, Purifier,

Be present, and with us through these our praises. (8)

Agni, the patriarchal men, the mortals who have in many places spread your lustre,

Be gracious to us here for their sake also. (9)

Let these men, heroes in the fight with foemen, prevail against all godless arts of magic,-

These who improve the noble song I sing you. (10)

Let us not sit in want of men, Agni, without descendants, heroleu, about you:

But, House-Friend, in houses full of children. (11)

By sacrifice which the steeds' Lord ever visits, there make our dwelling rich in seed and offspring,

Increasing still with lineal successors. (12)

Guard us, Agni, from the hated demon, guard us from malice of the churlish sinner:

Allied with you may I subdue assailants. (13)

May this same fire of mine surpass all others, this fire where offspring, vigorous and firm- handed,

Wins, on a thousand paths, what never shall perish. (14)

This is that Agni, saviour from the foeman, who guards the kindler of the flame from sorrow:

Heroes of noble lineage serve and tend him. (15)

This is that Agni, served in many places, whom the rich lord who brings oblation kindles,

And round him goes the priest at sacrifices. (16)

Agni, may we with riches in possession bring you continual ofierings in abundance,

Using both means to draw you to our worship. (17)

Agni, bear you, Eternal, these most welcome oblations to the deities' assembly:

Let them enjoy our very fragrant presents. (18)

Give us not up, Agni, to want of heroes, to wretched clothes, to need, to destitution.

Yield us not, Holy One, to fiend or hunger; injure us not at home or in the forest. (19)

Give strength and power to these my prayers, Agni; God, pour blessings on our chiefs and nobles.

Grant that both we and they may share your bounty. You gods, protect us evermore with blessings. (20)

You Agni, swift to hear, are fair of aspect: beam forth, Son of Strength, in full effulgence.

Let me not want, with you, a son forever: let not a manly hero ever fail us. (21)

Condemn us not tIndigence, Agni, beside these flaming fires which gods have kindled;

Nor, even after fault, let your displeasure, your as a God, Son of Strength, overtake us. (22)

Agni, fair of face, the wealthy mortal who to the immortal offers his oblation.

Has him who wins him treasure by his Godhead, to whom the prince, in need, goes supplicating. (23)

Knowing our chief felicity, Agni, bring here ample riches to our nobles,

Wherewith we may enjoy ourselves, Victor, with undiminished life and hero children. (24)

Give strength and power to these my prayers, Agni; God, pour blessings on bur chiefs and nobles.

Grant that both we and they may share your bounty. You gods, protect us evermore with blessings.

2 - Apris

Gladly accept, this day, our fuel, Agni: send up your sacred smoke and shine sublimely.

Touch the celestial summits with your columns, and overspread you with the rays of Surya. (1)

With sacrifice to these we men will honour the majesty of holy Narasamsa-

To these the pure, most wise, the thought. inspirers, gods who enjoy both sorts of our oblations. (2)

We will extol at sacrifice forever, as men may do, Agni whom Manu kindled,

Your very skilful Asura, meet for worship, envoy between both worlds, the truthful speaker. (3)

Bearing the sacred grass, the men who serve him strew it with reverence, on their knees, by Agni.

Calling him to the spotted grass, oil-sprinkled, adorn him, you Adhvaryus, with oblation. (4)

With holy thoughts the pious have thrown open Doors fain for chariots in the gods' assembly.

Like two full mother cows who lick their youngling, like maidens for the gathering, they adorn them. (5)

And let the two exalted Heavenly Ladies, Morning and Night, like a cow good at milking,

Come, much-invoked, and on our grass be seated ' wealthy, deserving worship, for our welfare. (6)

You, Bards and Singers at men's sacrifices, both filled with wisdom, I incline to worship.

Send up our offerings when we call upon you, and so among the gods obtain us treasures. (7)

May Bharati with all her Sisters, Ila accordant with the gods, with mortals Agni,

Sarasvati with all her kindred Rivers, come to this grass, Three Goddesses, and seat them. (8)

Well pleased with us do you, God, Tvastar, give ready issue to our procreant vigour,

Whence springs the hero, powerful, skilled in action, lover of gods, adjuster of the press- stones. (9)

Send to the gods the oblation, Lord of Forests, and let the Immolator, Agni, dress it.

He as the truer priest shall offer worship, for the god'sgenerations well he knows. (10)

Come to us, Agni, duly kindled, together with the potent gods and Indra.

On this our grass sit Aditi, happy Mother, and let our Hail! delight the gods immortal.

3 - Agni

Associate with fires, make your God Agni envoy at sacrifice, best skilled in worship,

Established firm among mankind, the Holy, flame-crowned and fed with oil, the Purifier. (1)

Like a steed neighing eager for the pasture, when he has stepped forth from the great enclosure:

Then the wind following blows upon his splendour, and, straight, the path is black which you have travelled. (2)

From you a Bull but newly born, Agni, the kindled everlasting flames rise upward.

Aloft to heaven your ruddy smoke ascends: Agni, you speed to the gods as envoy. (3)

You whose fresh lustre over the earth advances when greedily with your jaws your food you eat.

Like a host hurried onward comes your lasso: fierce, with your tongue you piercest, as it were barley. (4)

The men have decked him both at eve and morning, Most Youthful Agni, as they tend a courser.

They kindle him, a guest within his dwelling: bright shines the splendour of the worshipped hero. (5)

fair of face, beautiful is your aspect when, very near at hand, like gold you gleamest,

Like Heaven's thundering roar your might approaches, and like the wondrous Sun your light you show. (6)

That we may worship, with your Hail to Agni! with sacrificial cakes and fat oblations,

Guard us, Agni, with those boundless glories as with a hundred fortresses of iron. (7)

Your are resistless songs for him who offers, and hero-giving hymns wherewith you save;

With these, Son of Strength, Jatavedas, guard us, preserve these princes and the singers. (8)

When forth he comes, like an axe new-sharpened, pure in his form, resplendent in his body,

Sprung, sought with eager longing, from his Parents, for the gods' worship, Sage and Purifier: (9)

Shine this felicity on us, Agni: may we attain to perfect understanding.

All happiness be theirs who sing and praise you. You gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.

4 - Agni

Bring forth your gifts to his refulgent splendour, your hymn as purest offering to Agni,

To him who goes as messenger with knowledge between all songs of men and gods in heaven. (1)

Wise must this Agni be, though young and tender, since he was born, Most Youthful, of his Mother;

He who with bright tes seizes fast the forests, and eats his food, though plenteous, in a moment. (2)

Before his presence must we all assemble, this God's whom men have seized in his white splendour.

This Agni who has brooked that men should seize him has shone for man with glow insufferable. (3)

Far-seeing has this Agni been established, deathless mid mortals, wise among the foolish.

Here, victorious God, forbear to harm us: may we forever share your gracious favour. (4)

He who has occupied his God-made dwelling, Agni, in wisdom has surpassed immortals.

A Babe unborn, the plants and trees support him, and the earth beareth him the All-sustainer. (5)

Agni is Lord of Amrita. in abundance, Lord of the gift of wealth and hero valour,

Victorious God, let us not sit about you like men devoid of strength, beauty, and worship. (6)

The foeman's treasure may be won with labour: may we be masters of our own possessions.

Agni, no son is he who springs from others: lengthen not out the pathways of the foolish. (7)

Unwelcome for adoption is the stranger, one to be thought of as another's offspring,

Though grown familiar by continual presence. May our strong hero come, freshly triumphant. (8)

Guard us from him who would assail us, Agni; preserve us you Victor, from dishonour.

Here let the place of darkening come upon you: may wealth be ours, desirable, in thousands. (9)

Shine this felicity on us, Agni: may we attain to perfect understanding.

All happiness be theirs who sing and praise you. You gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.

5 - Agni

Bring forth your song of praise to mighty Agni, the speedy messenger of earth and heaven,

Vaisvanara, who, with those who wake, has waxen great in the lap of all the gods immortal. (1)

Sought in the heavens, on earth is Agni stablished, leader of rivers, Bull of standing waters.

Vaisvanara when he has grown in glory, shines on the tribes of men with light and treasure. (2)

For fear of you forth fled the dark-hued races, scattered abroad, deserting their possessions,

When, glowing, Vaisvanara, for Puru, you Agni did light up and rend their castles. (3)

Agni Vaisvanara, both Earth and Heaven submit them to your threefold jurisdiction.

Refulgent in your undecaying lustre you have invested both the worlds with splendour. (4)

Agni, the tawny horses, loudly neighing our resonant hymns that drop with oil, attend you;

Lord of the tribes, our Charioteer of riches, Ensign of days, Vaisvanara of mornings. (5)

In you, bright as Mitra, Vasus seated the might of Aduras, for they loved your spirit.

You dravest Dasyus from their home, Agni, and brought forth broad light to light the Arya. (6)

Born in the loftiest heaven you in a moment reachest, like wind, the place where gods inhabit.

You, favouring your offspring, roaredst loudly when giving life to creatures, Jatavedas. (7)

Send us that strength, Vaisvanara, send it, Agni, that strength, Jatavedas, full of splendour,

Wherewith, all-bounteous God, you pourest riches, as fame wide-spreading, on the man who offers. (8)

Agni, bestow upon our chiefs and nobles that famous power, that wealth which feeds many.

Accordant with the Vasus and the Rudras, Agni, Vaisvanara, give us sure protection.

6 - Agni

PRAISE of the Asura, high imperial Ruler, the Manly One in whom the folk shall triumph-

I laud his deeds who is as strong as Indra, and lauding celebrate the Fort-destroyer. (1)

Sage, Sing, Food, Light,-they bring him from the mountain, the blessed Sovran of the earth and heaven.

I decorate with songs the mighty actions which Agni, Fort-destroyer, did aforetime. (2)

The foolish, faithless, rudely-speaking niggards, without belief or sacrifice or worship,-

Far far sway has Agni chased those Dasytis, and, in the cast, has turned the godless westward. (3)

Him who brought eastward, manliest with his prowess, the Maids rejoicing in the western darkness,

That Agni I extol, the Lord of riches, unyielding tamer of assailing foemen. (4)

Him who brake down the walls with deadly weapons, and gave the Mornings to anoble Husband,

Young Agni, who with conquering strength subduing the tribes of Nahus made them bring their tribute. (5)

In whose protection all men rest by nature, desiring to enjoy his gracious favour-

Agni Vaisvanara in his Parents, bosom has found the choicest seat in earth and heaven. (6)

Vaisvanara the god, at the sun's setting, has taken to himself deep-hidden treasures:

Agni has taken them from earth and heaven, from the sea under and the sea above us.

7 - Agni

I SEND forth even your God, victorious Agni, like a strong courser, with mine adoration.

Herald of sacrifice be he who knows he has reached gods, himself, with measured motion. (1)

By paths that are your own come here, Agni, joyous, delighting in the gods' alliance,

Making the heights of earth roar with your fury, burning with eager tes the woods and forests. (2)

The grass is strewn; the sacrifice advances adored as priest, Agni is made propitious,

Invoking both All-boon-bestowing Mothers of whom, Most Youthful! you were born to help us. (3)

Forthwith the men, the best of these for wisdom, have made him leader in the solemn worship.

As Lord in homes of men is Agni stablished, the Holy One, the joyous, sweetly speaking. (4)

He has come, chosen bearer, and is seated in man's home, Brahman, Agni, the Supporter,

He whom both Heaven and Earth exalt and strengthen whom, Giver of all boons, the Hotar worships. (5)

These have passed all in glory, who, the manly, have wrought with skill the hymn of adoration;

Who, listening, have advanced the people's welfare, and set their thoughts on this my holy statute. (6)

We, the Vasisthas, now implore you, Agni, Son of Strength, the Lord of wealth and treasure.

You have brought food to singers and to nobles. You gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.

8 - Agni

The King whose face is decked with oil is kindled with homage offered by his faithful servant.

The men, the priests adore him with oblations. Agni has shone forth when the dawn is breaking. (1)

Yea, he has been acknowledged as most mighty, the joyous priest of men, the youthful Agni.

He, spreading over the earth, made light around him, and grew among the plants with blackened fellies.. (2)

How do you decorate our hymn, Agni? What power do you exert when you are lauded?

When, Bounteous God, may we be lords of riches, winners of precious wealth which none may conquer? (3)

Far famed is this the Bharata's own Agni he shins like the Sun with lofty splendour.

He who has vanquished Puru in the battle, the heavenly guest has glowed in full refulgence. (4)

Full many oblations are in you collected: with all your aspects you have waxen gracious.

You are already famed as praised and lauded, yet still, nobly born, increase your body. (5)

Be this my song, that winns countless treasure, engendered with redoubled force for Agni,

That, splendid, chasing sickness, slaying demons, it may delight our friend and bless the singers. (6)

We, the Vasisthas, now implore you, Agni, Son of Strength, the Lord of wealth and riches.

You have brought food to singers and to nobles. You gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.

9 - Agni

Roused from their bosom is the Dawns' beloved, the joyous priest, most sapient, Purifier.

He gives a signal both to gods and mortals, to gods oblations, riches to the pious. (1)

Most wise is he who, forcing doors of Panis, brought the bright Sun to us who feeds many.

The cheerful priest, men's friend and home-companion, through still night's darkness he is made apparent. (2)

Wise, ne.ver deceived, uncircumscribed, refulgent, our gracious guest, a friend with good attendants,

Shines forth with wondrous light before the Mornings; the young plants has he entered, Child of Waters. (3)

Seeking our gatherings, he, your Jatavedas, has shone adorable through human ages,

Who gleams refulgent with his lovely lustre: the cows have waked to meet him when enkindled. (4)

Go on your message to the gods, and fail not, Agni, with their band who pray and worship.

Bring all the gods that they may give us riches, Sarasvati, the Maruts, Asvins, Waters. (5)

Vasistha, when enkindling you, Agni, has slain jarutha. Give us wealth in plenty.

Sing praise in choral song, Jatavedas. You gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.

10 - Agni

He has sent forth, bright, radiant, and refulgent, like the Dawn's Lover, his far-spreading lustre.

Pure in his splendour shines the golden hero: our longing thoughts has he aroused and wakened. (1)

He, like the Sun, has shone while Morn is breaking, and priests who weave the sacrifice sing praises,

Agni, the god, who knows their generations and visits gods, most bounteous, rapid envoy. (2)

Our songs and holy hymns go forth to Agni, seeking the god and asking him for riches,

Him fair to see, of goodly aspect, mighty, men's messenger who carries their oblations. (3)

joined with the Vasus, Agni, bring you Indra bring here mighty Rudra with the Rudras,

Aditi good to all men with Adityas, Brihaspati All-bounteous, with the Singers. (4)

Men eagerly implore at sacrifices Agni, Most Youthful God, the joyous Herald.

For he is Lord and Ruler over riches, and for gods' worship an unwearied envoy.

11 - Agni

Great are you, Agni, sacrifice's Herald: not without you are deathless gods made joyful.

Come here with all deities about you here take your seat, the first, as priest, Agni. (1)

Men with oblations evermore entreat you, the swift, to undertake an envoy's duty.

He on whose sacred grass with gods you sit, to him, Agni, are the days propitious. (2)

Three times a day in you are shown the treasures sent for the mortal who presents oblation.

Bring the gods here like a man, Agni: be you our envoy, guarding us from curses. (3)

Lord of the lofty sacrifice is Agni, Agni is Lord of every gift presented.

The Vasus were contented with his wisdom, so the gods made him their oblationbearer. (4)

Agni, bring the gods to taste our presents: with Indra leading, here let them be joyful.

Convey this sacrifice to gods in heaven. You gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.

12 - Agni

We with great reverence have approached The Youngest who has shone forth well- kindled in his dwelling,

With wondrous light between wide earth and heaven, well-worshipped, looking forth in all directions. (1)

Through his great might overcoming all misfortunes, praised in the house is Agni Jatavedas.

May he protect us from disgrace and trouble, both us who laud him and our noble patrons. (2)

Agni, you are Varuna and Mitra: Vasisthas with their holy hymns exalt you.

With you be most abundant gain of treasure. You gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.

13 - Agni

Bring song and hymn to Agni, Asura-slayer, enlightener of all and thought- bestower.

Like an oblation on the grass, to please him, I bring this to Vaisvanara, hymn-inspirer. (1)

You with your flame, Agni, brightly glowing, have at your birth filled full the earth and heaven.

TIOU with your might, Vaisvanara Jatavedas, settest the gods free frodi the curse that bound them. (2)

Agni, when, born you lookedst on all creatures, like a brisk herdsman moving round his cattle.

The path to prayer, Vaisvanara, you found. You gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.

14 - Agni

With reverence and with offered gifts serve we the god whose flame is bright:

Let us bring Jatavedas fuel, and adore Agni when we invoke the gods. (1)

Agni, may we perform your rites with fuel, and honour you, Holy one, with praises:

Honour you, priest of sacrifice! with butter, you, god of blessed light! with our oblation. (2)

Come, Agni, with the gods to our invoking, come, pleased, to offerings sanctified with Vasat.

May we be his who pays you, God, due honour. You gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.

15 - Agni

OFFER oblations in his mouth, the bounteous God's whom we must serve.

His who is nearest kin to us: (1)

Who for the Fivefold People's take has seated him in every home

Wise, Youthful, Master of the house. (2)

On all sides may that Agni guard our household folk and property;

May he deliver us from woe. (3)

I have begotten this new hymn for Agni, Falcon of the sky:

Will he not give us of his wealth? (4)

Whose lories when he glows in front of sacrite are fair to see,

Like wealth of one with hero sons. (5)

May he enjoy this hallowed gift, Agni accept our songs, who bears

Oblations, best of worshippers. (6)

Lord of the house, whom men must seek, we set you down, Worshipped Onel

Bright, rich in heroes, Agni! God (7)

Shine forth at night and morn: through you with fires are we provided well.

You, rich in heroes, are our friend. (8)

The men come near you for their gain, the singers with their songs of praise:

Speech, thousandfold, comes near to you. (9)

Bright, Purifier, meet for praise, immortal with refulgent glow,

Agni drives Raksasas away. (10)

As such, bring us abundant wealth, young Child of Strength, for this you canst

May Bhaga give us what is choice. (11)

You, Agni, give hero fame: Bhaga and Savitar the god,

And Did give us what is good. (12)

Agni, preserve us from distress: consume our enemies, God,

Eternal, with the hottest flames. (13)

And, irresistible, be you a mighty iron fort to us,

With hundred walls for man's defence. (14)

Do you preserve us, eve and morn, from sorrow, from the wicked men,

Infallible! by day and night.

16 - Agni

With this my reverent hymn I call Agni for you, the Son of Strength,

Dear, wisest envoy, served with noble sacrifice, immortal messenger of all. (1)

His two red horses, all-supporting, let him yoke: let him, well-worshipped, urge them fast.

Then has the sacrifice good prayers and happy end, and heavenly gift of wealth to men. (2)

The flame of him the Bountiful, the Much-invoked, has mounted up,

And his red-coloured smoke-clouds reach and touch the sky: the men are kindling Agni well. (3)

You, you Most Glorious One we make our messenger. Bring the gods here to the feast.

Give us, Son of Strength, all food that fceds man: give that for which we pray to you. (4)

You, Agni, are the homestead's Lord, our Herald at the sacrifice.

Lord of all boons, you are the Cleanser and a Sage. Pay worship, and enjoy the good. (5)

Give riches to the sacrificer, Most Wise, for you are he who granteth wealth.

Inspire with zeal each priest at this our solemn rite; all who are skilled in singing praise. (6)

Agni who are worshipped well, dear let our princes he to you,

Our wealthy patrons who are governors of men, who part, as gifts, their stalls of cows. (7)

They in whose home, her hand bearing the sacred oil, Ila sits down well-satisfied-

Guard them, Victorious God, from slander and from harm. give us a refuge famed afar. (8)

Do you, a priest with pleasant tongue, most wise, and very near to us,

Agni, bring riches here to our liberal chiefs, and speed the oflering of our gifts. (9)

They who bestow as bounty plenteous wealth of steeds, moved by desire of great renown-

Do you with saving help preserve them from distress, Most Youthful! with a hundred forts. (10)

The god who gives your wealth demands a full libation poured to him.

Pour you it forth, then fill the vessel full again: then doth the god pay heed to you. (11)

Him have the gods appointed priest of sacrifice, oblation-bearer, passing wise.

Agni gives wealth and valour to the worshipper, to folk who offer up their gifts.

17 - Agni

Agni, be kindled well with proper fuel, and let the grass be scattered wide about you. (1)

Let the impatient Portals be thrown open bring you the gods impatient to come here. (2)

Taste, Agni: serve the gods with our oblation. Offer good sacrifices, Jatavedas! (3)

Let Jatavedas pay fair sacrifices, worship andgratify the gods immortal. (4)

Wise God, win for us things that are all-goodly, and let the prayers, we pray today be fruitful. (5)

You, even you, the Son of Strength, Agni, those gods have made the bearer of oblations. (6)

To you the god may we perform our worship: do you, besought, grant us abundant riches.

18 - Indra

ALL is with you, Indra, all the treasures which erst our fathers won who sang your praises.

With you are milk-cows good to milk, and horses: best winner you of riches for the pious. (1)

For like a King among his wives you dwellest: with glories, as a Sage, surround and help us.

Make us, your servants, strong for wealth, and honour our songs wirth cows and steeds and decoration. (2)

Here these our holy hymns with joy and gladness in pious emulation have approached you.

Hereward come your path that leads to riches: may we find shelter in your favour, Indra. (3)

Vasistha has poured forth his prayers, desiring to milk you like a cow in goodly pasture.

All these my people call you Lord of cattle: may Indra. come to the prayer we offer. (4)

What though the floods spread widely, Indra made them shallow and easy for Sudas to traverse.

He, worthy of our praises, caused the Simyu, foe of our hymn, to curse the rivers' fury. (5)

Eager for spoil was Turvasa Purodas, fain to win wealth, like fishes urged by hunger.

The Bhrigus and the Druhyus quickly listened: friend rescued friend mid the two distant peoples. (6)

Together came the Pakthas, the Bhalanas, the Alinas, the Sivas, the Visanins.

Yet to the Trtsus came the Arya's Comrade, through love of spoil and heroes' war, to lead them. (7)

Fools, in their folly fain to waste her waters, they parted inexhaustible Parusni.

Lord of the Earth, he with his might repressed them: still lay the herd and the affrighted herdsman. (8)

As to their goal they sped to their destruetion: they sought Parusni; even the swift returned not.

Indra abandoned, to Sudas the manly, the swiftly flying foes, unmanly babblers. (9)

They went like cows unherded from the pasture, each clinging to a friend as chance directed.

They who drive spotted steeds, sent down by Prishni, gave ear, the Warriors and the harnessed horses. (10)

The King who scattered one-and-twenty people of both Vaikarna tribes through lust of glory-

As the skilled priest clips grass within the chamber, so has the HerIndra, wrought their downfall. (11)

You, thunder-armed, overwhelmedst in the waters famed ancient Kavasa and then the Druhyu.

Others here claiming friendship to their friendship, devoted to you, in you were joyful. (12)

Indra at once with conquering might demolished all their strong places and their seven castles.

The goods of Anu's son he gave to Trtsu. May we in sacrifice conquer scorned Puru. (13)

The Anavas and Druhyus, seeking booty, have slept, the sixty hundred, yea, six thousand,

And six-and-sixty heroes. For the pious were all these mighty exploits done by Indra. (14)

These Trtsus under Indra's careful guidance came speeding like loosed waters rushing downward.

The foemen, measuring exceeding closely, abandoned to Sudas all their provisions. (15)

The hero's side who drank the dressed oblation, Indra's denier, far over earth he scattered.

Indra brought down the fierce destroyer's fury. He gave them various roads, the path's Controller. (16)

Even with the weak he wrought this matchless exploit: even with a goat he did to death a lion.

He pared the pillar's angles with a needle. Thus to Sudas Indra gave all provisions. (17)

To you have all your enemies submitted: even the fierce Bheda have you made your subject.

Cast down your sharpened thunderbolt, Indra, on him who harms the men who sing your praises. (18)

Yamuna and the Trtsus aided Indra. There he stripped Bheda bare of all his treasures.

The Ajas and the Sigrus and the Yaksus brought in to him as tribute heads of horses. (19)

Not to be scorned, but like Dawns past and recent, Indra, are your favours and your riches.

Devaka, Manyamana's son, you slew, and smote Sambara from the lofty mountain. (20)

They who, from home, have gladdened you, your servants Parasara, Vasistha, Satayatu,

Will not forget your friendship, liberal Giver. So shall the days dawn prosperous for the princes. (21)

priest-like, with praise, I move around the altar, earning Paijavana's reward, Agni,

Two hundred cows from Devavan's descendant, two chariots from Sudas with mares to draw them. (22)

Gift of Paijavana, four horses bear me in foremost place, trained steeds with pearl to deck them.

Sudas's brown steeds, firmly-stepping, carry me and my son for progeny and glory. (23)

Him whose fame spreads between wide earth and heaven, who, as dispenser, gives each chief his portion,

Seven flowing Rivers glorify like Indra. He slew Yudhyamadhi in close encounter. (24)

Attend on him you heroic Maruts as on Sudas's father Divodasa.

Further Paijavana's desire with favour. Guard faithfully his lasting firm dominion.

19 - Indra

He like a bull with sharpened horns, terrific, singly excites and agitates all the people:

You give him who largely pours libations his goods who pours not, for his own possession. (1)

You, verily, Indra, gave help to Kutsa, willingly giving car to him in battle,

When, aiding Arjuneya, you subduedst to him both Kuyava and the Dasa Susna. (2)

Bold One, you with all your aids have boldly holpen Sudas whose offerings were accepted,

Puru in winning land and slaying foemen, and Trasadasyu son of Purukutsa. (3)

At the gods' banquet, hero-souled! with heroes, Lord of bay steeds, you slew many foemen.

You sentest in swift death to sleep the Dasyu, both Cumuri and Dhuni, for Dabhiti. (4)

These were your mighty powers that, Thunder-wielder, you swiftly crushedst nine-and-ninety castles:

You capturedst the hundredth in your onslaught; you slew Namuci, you slew Vritra. (5)

Old are the blessings, Indra, which you gave Sudas the worshipper who brought oblations.

For you, the Strong, I yoke your strong bay horses: may our prayers reach you and win strength, Most Mighty! (6)

Give us not up, Lord of bay horses, Victor, in this your own assembly, to the wicked.

Deliver us with true and faithful succours: dear may we be to you among the princes. (7)

May we men, Maghavan, the friends you love, near you be joyful under your protection.

Fain to fulfil the wish of Atithigva humble. the pride of Turvasa and Yadva. (8)

Swiftly, in truth, Maghavan, about you men skilled in hymning sing their songs and praises. '

Elect us also into their assembly who by their calls on you despoiled the niggards. (9)

Your are these lauds, manliest of heroes, lauds which revert to us and give us riches.

Favour these, Indra, when they fight with faemen, as friend and hero and the heroes' helper. (10)

Now, lauded for your aid, heroic Indra, sped by our prayer, wax mighty in your body.

Apportion to us strength and habitations. You gods, protect us evermore with blessings.

20 - Indra

Strong, Godly-natured, born for hero exploit, man's friend, hedoth whatever deed he willeth.

Saving us even from great transgression, Indra, the Youthful, visiteth man's home with favour. (1)

Waxing greatness Indra slays Vritra: the hero with his aid has helped the singer.

He gave Sudas wide room and space, and often has granted wealth to him who brought oblations. (2)

Soldier unchecked, war-rousing, battling hero, unconquered from of old, victorious ever,

Indra the very strong has scattered armies; yea, he has slain each foe who fought against him. (3)

You with your greatness have filled full, Indra, even both the worlds with might, you Most Mighty.

Lord of Bays, Indra, brandishing his thunder, is gratified with Soma at the banquet. (4)

A Bull begat the Bull for joy of battle, and a strong Mother brought forth him the manly.

He who is Chief of men, their armies' Leader, is strong hero, bold, and fain for booty. (5)

The people falter not, nor suffer sorrow, who win themselves this God's terrific spirit.

He who with sacrifices worships Indra is lord of wealth, law-born and law's protector. (6)

Whenever the elder fain would help the younger the greater coms to the lesser's present.

Shall the immortal sit aloof' inactive? Wondrous Indra, bring us wondrous riches. (7)

Your dear folk, Indra, who present oblations, are, in chief place, your friends, Thunder-wielder.

May we be best content in this your favour, sheltered by One who slays not, but preserves us. (8)

To you the mighty hymn has clamoured loudly, and, Maghavan, the eloquent has besought you.

Desire of wealth has come upon your singer: help us then, gakra, to our share of riches. (9)

Place us by food which you have given, Indra, us and the wealthy patrons who command us.

Let your great power bring good to him who lauds you. You gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.

21 - Indra

PRESSED is the juice divine with milk commingled: thereto has Indra ever been accustomed.

We wake you, Lord of Bays, with sacrifices: mark this our laud in the wild joy of soma. (1)

On to the rite they move, the grass they scatter, these Soma-drinkers eloquent in synod.

Here, for men to grasp, are brought the press-stones, far-thundering, famous, strong, that wait on heroes. (2)

Indra, you settest free the many waters that were encompassed, hero, by the Dragon.

Down rolled, as if on chariots borne, the rivers: through fear of you all things created tremble. (3)

Skilled in all manly deeds the god terrific has with his weapons mastered these opponents.

Indra in rapturous joy shook down their castles he slew them in his might, the Thunder-wielder. (4)

No evil spirits have impelled us, Indra, nor fiends, Mightiest God, with their devices.

Let our true God subdue the hostile rabble: let not the lewd approach our holy worship. (5)

You in your strength surpassest Earth and Heaven: the regions comprehend not all your greatness.

With your own power and might you slew Vritra: no foe has found the end of you in battle. (6)

Even the earlier deities submitted their powers to your supreme divine dominion.

Indra wins wealth and deals it out to other's: men in the strife for booty call on Indra. (7)

The humble has invoked you for protection, you, Lord of great felicity, Indra.

You with a hundred aids have been our helper: one who brings gifts like you has his defender. (8)

May we, Indra, be your friends forever, eagerly, Conqueror, yielding greater homage.

May, through your grace, the strength of us who battle quell in the shock the onset of the foeman. (9)

Place us by food which you have given, Indra, us and the wealthy patrons who command us.

Let your great power bring good to him who lauds you. You gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.

22 - Indra

DRINK Soma, Lord of Bays, and let it cheer you: Indra, the stone, like a well guided courser,

Directed by the presser's arms has pressed it. (1)

So let the draught of joy, your dear companion, by which, Lord of Bays, you slayest foemen,

Delight you, Indra, Lord of princely treasures. (2)

Mark closely, Maghavan, the words I utter, this eulogy recited by Vasistha:

Accept the prayers I offer at your banquet. (3)

Hear you the call of the juice-drinking press-stone: hear you the Brahman's hymn who sings and lauds you.

Take to your inmost self these adorations. (4)

I know and never forget the hymns and praises of you, the Conqueror, and your strength immortal.

Your name I ever utter. Self-Refulgent (5)

Among mankind many are your libations, and many a time the pious sageinvokes you.

Maghavan, be not long distant from us. (6)

All these libations are for you, hero: to you I offer these my prayers. that strengthen.

Ever, in every place, must men invoke you. (7)

Never do men attain, Wonder-Worker, your greatness, Mighty One, who must be lauded,

Nor, Indra, your heroic power and bounty. (8)

Among all Rishis, Indra, old and recent, who have engendered hymns as sacred singers,

Even with us be your auspicious friendships. You gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.

23 - Indra

PRAYERS have been offered up through love of glory: Vasistha, honour Indra in the battle.

He who with might extends through all existence hears words which I, his faithful servant, utter. (1)

A cry was raised which reached the gods, Indra, a cry to them to send us strength in combat.

None among men knows his own life's duration: bear us in safety over these our troubles. (2)

The Bays, the booty-seeking car I harness: my prayers have reached him who accepts them gladly.

Indra, when he had slain resistless foemen, forced with his might the two world-halves asunder. (3)

Like barren cows, moreover, swelled the waters: the singen sought your holy rite, Indra.

Come to us as with his team comes Vayu: you, through our solemn hymns bestow booty. (4)

So may these gladdening draughts rejoice you, Indra, the Mighty, very bounteous to the singer.

Alone among the gods you pitiest mortals: hero, make you glad at this libation. (5)

Thus the Vasisthas glorify with praises Indra, the Powerful whose arm wields thunder.

Praised, may he guard our wealth in cows and heroes. You gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.

24 - Indra

A HOME is made for you to dwell in, Indra: Much-invoked, go therewith the heroes.

That you, to prosper us, may be our helper, vouchsafe us wealth, rejoice with draughts of soma. (1)

Indra, your wish, twice-strong, is comprehended: pressed is the soma, poured are pleasant juices.

This hymn of praise, from loosened tongue, made perfect, draws Indra to itself with loud invoking. (2)

Come, you Impetuous; God, from earth or heaven; come to our holy grass to drink the soma.

Here to me let your bay horses bring you to listen to our hymns and make you joyful. (3)

Come to us with all your aids, accordant, Lord of bay steeds, accepting our devotions,

Fair-helmeted, overcoming with the mighty, and lending us the strength of bulls, Indra. (4)

As to the chariot pole a vigorous courser, this laud is brought to the great strong Upholder.

This hymn solicits wealth of you: in heaven, as it were above the sky, set you our glory. (5)

With precious things. Indra, thus content us: may we attain to your exalted favour.

Send our chiefs plenteous food with hero children. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

25 - Indra

When with your mighty help, potent Indra, the armies rush together in their fury.

When from the strong man's arm the lightning flieth, let not the mind go forth to side with others. (1)

Indra, where the ground is hard to traverse, smite down our foes, the mortals who assail us,

Keep far from us the curse of the reviler: bring us accumulated store of treasures. (2)

God of the fair helm, give Sudas a hundred succours, a thousand blessings, and your bounty.

Strike down the weapon of our mortal foeman: bestow upon us splendid fame and riches. (3)

I wait the power of one like you, Indra, gifts of a helper such as you are, hero.

Strong, Mighty God, dwell with me now and ever: Lord of bay horses, do not you desert us. (4)

Here are the Kutsas supplicating Indra for might, the Lord of Bays for God-sent conquest.

Make our foes ever easy to be vanquished: may we, victorious, win the spoil, hero. (5)

With precious things, Indra, thus content us: may we attain to your exalted favour.

Send our chiefs plenteous food with hero children. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

26 - Indra

SOMA unpressed never gladdened liberal Indra, no juices pressed without a prayer have pleased him.

I generate a laud that shall delight him, new and heroic, so that he may hear us. (1)

At every laud the soma gladdens Indra: pressed juices please him as each psalm is chanted,

What time the priests with one united effort call him to aid, as sons invoke their father. (2)

These deeds he did; let him achieve new exploits, such as the priests declare at their libations.

Indra has taken and possessed all castles, like as one common husband doth his spouses. (3)

Even thus have they declared him. Famed is Indra as Conqueror, sole distributer of treasures;

Whose many succours come in close succession. May dear delightful benefits attend us. (4)

Thus, to bring help to men, Vasistha lauds Indra, the peoples' hero, at libation.

Bestow upon us strength and wealth in thousands. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

27 - Indra

Men call on Indra in the armed encounter that he may make the hymns they sing decisive.

Hero, rejoicing in your might, in combat give us a portion of the stall of cattle, (1)

Grant, Indra Maghavan, invoked of many, to these my friends the strength which you possessest.

You, Maghavan, have rent strong places open: unclose for us, Wise God, your hidden bounty. (2)

King of the living world, of men, is Indra, of all in varied form that earth containeth.

Thence to the worshipper he givs riches: may he enrich us also when we laud him. (3)

Maghavan Indra, when we all invoke him, bountiful ever sendeth strength to aid us:

Whose perfect guerdon, never failing, brings wealth to the men, to friends the thing they covet. (4)

Quick, Indra, give us room and way to riches, and let us bring your mind to grant us treasures,

That we may win us cars and steeds and cattle. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

28 - Indra

Come to our prayers, Indra, you who know: let your bay steeds be yoked and guided here.

Though mortal men on every side invoke you, still give your ear to us, All-impeller. (1)

Your greatness reachs to our invocation, the sages' prayer which, Potent God, you guardest.

What time your hand, Mighty, holds the thunder, awful in strength you have become resistless. (2)

What time you drewest both world-halves together, like heroes led by you who call each other-

For you were born for strength and high dominion-then even the active overthrew the sluggish. (3)

Honour us in these present days, Indra, for hostile men are making expiation.

Our sin that sinless Varuna discovered, the Wondrous-Wise has long ago forgiven. (4)

We will address this liberal Lord, this Indra, that he may grant us gifts of ample riches,

Best favourer of the singer's prayer and praises. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

29 - Indra

This Soma has been pressed for you, Indra: come here, Lord of Bays, for this you love.

Drink of this fair, this well-effused libation: Maghavan, give us wealth when we implore you. (1)

Come to us quickly with your bay steeds, hero, come to our prayer, accepting our devotion.

Enjoy yourself aright at this libation, and listen you to the prayers we offer. (2)

What satisfaction do our hymns afford you? When, Maghavan? Now let us do you service.

Hymns, only hymns, with love for you, I weave you: then hear, Indra, these mine invocations. (3)

They, verily, were also human beings whom you were wont to hear, those earlier sages.

Hence I, Indra Maghavan, invoke you: you are our Providence, even as a Father. (4)

We will address this liberal Lord, this Indra, that he may grant us gifts of ample riches,

Best favourer of the singer's prayer and praises. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

30 - Indra

With power and strength, Mighty God, approach us: be the augmenter, Indra, of these riches;

Strong Thunderer, Lord of men, for potent valour, for manly exploit and for high dominion. (1)

You, worth invoking, in the din of battle, heroes invoke in fray for life and sunlight.

Among all people you are foremost fighter: give up our enemies to easy slaughter. (2)

When fair bright days shall dawn on us, Indra, and you shall bring your banner near in battle,

Agni the Asura shall sit as Herald, calling gods here for our great good fortune. (3)

Your are we, Indra, your, both these who praise you, and those who give rich gifts, God and hero.

Grant to our princes excellent protection, may they wax old and still be strong and happy. (4)

We will address this liberal Lord, this Indra that he may grant us gifts of ample riches:

Best favourer of the singer's prayer and praises. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

31 - Indra

SING you a song, to make him glad, to Indra, Lord of Tawny steeds,

The soma-drinker, my friends. (1)

To him the Bounteous say the laud, and let us glorify, as men May do, the Giver of true gifts. (2)

Indra, Lord of boundless might, for us you winnest strength and cows,

You winnest gold for us, Good Lord. (3)

Faithful to you we loudly sing, heroic Indra, songs to you: Mark, Good Lord, this act of ours. (4)

Give us not up to man's reproach, to foeman's hateful calumny: In you alone is all my strength. (5)

You are mine ample coat of mail, my Champion, Vritra-Slayer, you:

With you for friend I brave the foe. (6)

Yea, great are you whose conquering might twIndependent Powers confess.

The Heaven, India, and the Earth. (7)

So let the voice surround you, which attends the Maruts on their way,

Reaching you with the rays of light. (8)

Let the ascending drops attain to you, the Wondrous God, in heaven:

Let all the folk bow down to you. (9)

Bring to the Wise, the Great, who waxs mighty, your offerings, and make ready your devotion;

To many clans he goeth, man's controller. (10)

For Indra, the sublime, the far-pervading, have singers generated prayer and praises:

The sages never violate his statutes. (11)

The choirs have stablished Indra King forever, for victory, him whose anger is resistless:

And, for the Bays' Lord, strengthened those he loves.

32 - Indra

Let none, no, not your worshippers, delay you far away from us.

Even from far away come to our feast, or listen if already here. (1)

For here, like flies on honey, these who pray to you sit by the juice that they have poured.

Wealth-craving singers have on Indra set their hope, as men set foot upon a car. (2)

Longing for wealth I call on him, the Thunderer with the strong right hand,

As a son calls on his sire. (3)

These soma juices, mixed with curd, have been expressed for Indra here.

Come with your bay steeds, Thunder-wielder, to our home, to drink them till they make you glad. (4)

May he whose ear is open hear us. He is asked for wealth: will he despise our prayer?

Him who bestows at once a hundred thousand gifts none shall restrain when he would give. (5)

The hero never checked by men has gained his strength through Indra, he

Who presses out and pours his deep libations forth, Vritra-slayer, to you. (6)

When you do drive the fighting men together be, you Mighty One, the mighty's shield.

May we divide the wealth of him whom you have slain: bring us, Unreachable, his goods. (7)

For Indra, Soma-drinker, armed with thunder, press the soma juice.

Make ready your dressed meats: cause him to favour us. The Giver blesses him who gives. (8)

Grudge not, you Soma pourers; stir you, pay the rites, for wealth, to the great Conqueror.

Only the active conquers dwells in peace, and thrives: not for the niggard are the gods. (9)

No one has overturned or stayed the car of him who freely gives.

The man whom Indra and the Marut host defend comes to a stable full of cows. (10)

Indra, that man when fighting shall obtain the spoil, whose strong defender you will be.

Be the gracious helper, hero I of our cars, be you the helper of our men. (11)

His portion is exceeding great like a victorious soldier's spoil.

Him who is Indra, Lord of Bays, no foes subdue. He gives the soma-pourer strength. (12)

Make for the Holy gods a hymn that is not mean, but well-arranged and fair of form.

Even many snares and bonds subdue not him who dwells with Indra through his sacrifice. (13)

Indra, what mortal will attack the man who has his wealth in you?

The strong will win the spoil on the decisive day through faith in you, Maghavan. (14)

In battles with the foe urge on our mighty ones who give the treasures dear to you,

And may we with our princes, Lord of Tawny steeds! pass through all peril, led by you. (15)

Your, Indra, is the low wealth, you cherishest the mid-most wealth,

You ever rule all the highest: in the fray for cattle none resisteth you. (16)

You are renowned as giving wealth to every one in all the battles that are fought.

Craving protection, all these people of the earth, Much-invoked, implore your name. (17)

If I, Indra, were the Lord of riches ample as your own,

I should support the singer, God. who give wealth! and not abandon him to woe. (18)

Each day would I enrich the man who sang my praise, in whatsoever place he were.

No kinship is there better, Maghavan, than your: a father even is no more. (19)

With Plenty for his true ally the active man will gain the spoil.

Your Indra, Much-invoked, I bend with song, as bends a wright his wheel of solid wood. (20)

A moral wins no riches by unworthy praise: wealth comes not to the niggard churl.

Light is the task to give, Maghavan, to one like me on the decisive day. (21)

Like cows unmilked we call aloud, hero, to you, and sing your praise,

Looker on heavenly light, Lord of this moving world, Lord, Indra, of what movs not. (22)

None other like to you, of earth or of the heavens, has been or ever will be born.

Desiring horses, Indra Maghavan! and cows, as men of might we call on you. (23)

Bring, Indra, the Victorious Ones; bring, elder you, the younger host.

For, Maghavan, you are rich in treasures from of old, and must be called in every fight. (24)

Drive you away our enemies, Maghavan: make riches easy to be won.

Be our good Protector in the strife for spoil: Cherisher of our friends be you. (25)

Indra, give us wisdom as a sire gives wisdom to his sons.

Guide us, Much-invoked, in this our way may we still live and look upon the light. (26)

Grant that no mighty foes, unknown, malevolent, unhallowed, tread us to the ground.

With your assistance, hero, may we ass through all the waters that are rul`ng down.

33 - Vasistha

THESE who wear hair-knots on the right, the movers of holy thought, white-robed, have won me over.

I warned the men, when from the grass I raised me, Not from afar can my Vasisthas help you. (1)

With soma they brought Indra from a distance, Over Vaisanta, from the strong libation.

Indra preferred Vasisthas to the soma pressed by the son of Vayata, Pasadyumna. (2)

So, verily, with these he crossed the river, in company with these he slaughtered Bheda.

So in the fight with the Ten Kings, Vasisthas! did Indra help Sudas through your devotions. (3)

I gladly, men I with prayer prayed by our fathers have fixed your axle: you shall not be injured:

Since, when you sang aloud the Sakvari verses, Vasisthas! you invigorated Indra. (4)

Like thirsty men they looked to heaven, in battle with the Ten Kings, surrounded and imploring.

Then Indra heard Vasistha as he praised him, and gave the Trtsus ample room and freedom. (5)

Like sticks and staves wherewith they drive the cattle, Stripped bare, the Bharatas were found defenceless:

Vasistha then became their chief and leader: then widely. were the Trtsus' clans extended. (6)

Three fertilize the worlds with genial moisture: three noble Creatures cast a light before them.

Three that give warmth to all attend the morning. All these have they discovered, these Vasisthas. (7)

Like the Sun's growing glory is their splendour, and like the sea's is their unflathomed greatness.

Their course is like the wind's. Your laud, Vasisthas, can never be attained by any other. (8)

They with perceptions of the heart in secret resort to that which spreads a thousand branches.

The Apsaras brought here the Vasisthas wearing the vesture spun for them by Yama. (9)

A form of lustre springing from the lightning were you, when Varuna and Mitra saw you.

Tliy one and only birth was then, Vasistha, when from your stock Agastya brought you here. (10)

Born of their love for Urvasi, Vasistha you, priest, are son of Varuna and Mitra;

And as a fallen drop, in heavenly fervour, all the gods laid you on a lotus-blossorn. (11)

He thinker, knower both of earth and heaven, endowed with many a gift, bestowing thousands,

Destined to wear the vesture spun by Yama, sprang from the Apsaras to life, Vasistha. (12)

Born at the sacrifice, urged by adorations, both with a common flow bedewed the pitcher.

Then from the midst thereof there rose up Mana, and thence they say was born the sage Vasistha. (13)

He brings the bearer of the laud and Saman: first shall he speak bringing the stone for pressing.

With grateful hearts in reverence approach him: to you, Pratrdas, Vasistha comes.

34 - Visvedevas

MAY our divine and brilliant hymn go forth, like a swift chariot wrought and fashioned well. (1)

The waters listen as they flow along: they know the origin of heaven and earth. (2)

Yea, the broad waters swell their flood ior him: of him strong heroes think amid their foes. (3)

Set you for him the coursers to the pole: like Indra Thunderer is the Golden-armed. (4)

Arouse you, like the days, to sacrifice speed gladly like a traveller on the way. (5)

Go swift to battles, to the sacrifice: set up a flag, a hero for the folk. (6)

Up from his strength has risen as it were a light: it bears the load as earth bears living things. (7)

Agni, no demon I invoke the gods: by law completing it, I form a hymn. (8)

Closely albout you lay your heavenly song, and send your voice to where the gods abide. (9)

Varuna, Mighty, with a thousand eyes, beholds the paths wherein these rivers run. (10)

He, King of kings, the glory of the floods, over all that livs has resistless sway. (11)

May he assist us among all the tribes, and make the envier's praise devoid of light. (12)

May the foes' threatening arrow pass us by: may he put far from us our bodies' sin. (13)

Agni, oblation-cater, through our prayers aid us: to him our dearest laud is brought. (14)

Accordant with the gods choose for our friend the Waters' Child: may he be good to us. (15)

With lauds I sing the Dragon born of floods: he sits beneath the streams in middle air. (16)

Never may the Dragon of the Deep harm us: never fail this faithful servant's sacrifice. (17)

To these our heroes may they grant renown: may pious men march boldly on to wealth. (18)

Leading great hosts, with fierce attacks of these, they burn their foes as the Sun burns the earth. (19)

What time our wives draw near to us, may he, left-handed Tvastar, give us hero sons. (20)

May Tvastar find our hymn acceptable, and may Aramati, seeking wealth, be ours. (21)

May they who lavish gifts bestow those treasures: may Rodasi and Varunani listen.

May he, with the Varutris, be our refuge, may bountiful Tvastar give us store of riches. (22)

So may rich Mountains and the liberal Waters, so may all Herbs that grow on ground, and Heaven,

And Earth accordant with the Forest-Sovrans, and both the World-halves round about protect us. (23)

To this may both the wide Worlds lend approval, and Varuna in heaven, whose friend is Indra.

May all the Maruts give consent, the Victors, that we may hold great wealth in firm possession. (24)

May Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Agni, Waters, Herbs, Trees accept the praise we offer.

May we find refuge in the Marut's bosom. Protect us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

35 - Visvedevas

BEFRIEND us with their aids Indra and Agni, Indra and Varuna who receive oblations!

Indra and Soma give health, strength and comfort, Indra and Pusan be our help in battle. (1)

Auspicious friends to us be Bhaga, Sathsa, auspicious be Purandhi aid all Riches;

The blessing of the true and well-conducted, and Aryaman in many forms apparent. (2)

Kind to us he Maker and Sustainer, and the far-reaching Pair with God-like natures.

Auspicious to us be Earth and Heaven, the Mountain, and the gods' fair invocations. (3)

Favour us Agni with his face of splendour, and Varuva and Mitra and the Asvins.

Favour us noble actions of the pious, impetuous vita blow on us with favour. (4)

Early invoked, may Heaven and Earth be friendly, and Air's mid-region good for us to look on.

To us may Herbs and Forest-Trees be gracious, gracious the Lord Victorious of the region. (5)

Be the god Indra with the Vasus friendly, and, with Adityas, Varuna who blesses.

Kind, with the Rudras, be the Healer Rudra, and, with the Dames, may Tvastar kindly listen. (6)

Blest to us be Soma, and devotions, blessed be the Sacrifice, the Stones for pressing.

Blest be the fixing of the sacred Pillars, blessed be the tender Grass and blessed the Altar. (7)

May the far-seeing Sun rise up to bless us: be the four Quarters of the sky auspicious.

Auspicious be the firmly-seated Mountains, auspicious be the Rivers and the Waters. (8)

May Adid through holy works be gracioas, and may the Maruts, loud in song, be friendly.

May Vishnu give felicity, and Pusan, the Air that cherishs our life, and Vayu. (9)

Prosper us Savitar, the god who rescues, and let the radiant Mornings be propitious.

Auspicious to all creatures be Parjanya, auspicious be the field's benign Protector. (10)

May all the fellowship of gods befriend us, Sarasvati, with Holy Thoughts, be gracious.

Friendly be they, the Liberal Ones who seek us, yea, those who dwell in heaven, on earth, in waters. (11)

May the great lords of Truth protect and aid us: blessed to us be our horses and our cattle.

Kind be the pious skilful-handed Ribhus, kind be the Fathers at our invocations. (12)

May Aja-Ekapad, the god, be gracious, gracious the Dragon of the Deep, and Ocean.

Gracious be he the swelling Child of Waters, gracious be Prishni who has gods to guard her. (13)

So may the Rudras, Vasus, and Adityas accept the new hymn which we now are making.

May all the Holy Ones of earth and heaven, and the Cow's offspring hear our invocation. (14)

They who of Holy gods are very holy, immortal, knowing Law, whom man must worship,

May these today give us broad paths to travel. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

36 - Visvedevas

Let the prayer issue from the seat of Order, for Surya with his beams has loosed the cattle.

With lofty ridges earth is far extended, and Agni's flame has lit the spacious surface. (1)

Asuras, Varuna and Mitra, this hymn to you, like food, anew I offer.

One of you is a strong unerring Leader, and Mitra, speaking, stirs men to labour. (2)

The movements of the gliding wind come here: like cows, the springs are filled to overflowing.

Born in the station even of lofty heaven the Bull has loudly bellowed in this region. (3)

May I bring here with my song, Indra, wise Aryaman who yokes your dear bay horses,

Voracious, with your noble car, hero, him who defeats the wrath of the malicious. (4)

In their own place of sacrifice adorers worship to gain long life and win his friendship.

He has poured food on men when they have praised him; be this, the dearest reverence, paid to Rudra. (5)

Coming together, glorious, loudly roaring -Sarasvati, Mother of Floods, the seventh-

With copious milk, with fair streams, strongly flowing, full swelling with the volume of their water; (6)

. And may the mighty Maruts, too, rejoicing, aid our devotion and protect our offspring.

Let not swift-moving Aksara neglect us: they have increased our own appropriate riches, (7)

Bring you the great Aramati before you, and Pusan as the hero of the synod,

Bhaga who looks upon this hymn with favour, and, as our strength, the bountiful Purandbi. (8)

May this our song of praise reach you, Maruts, and Vishnu guardian of the future infant.

May they vouchsafe the singer strength for offspring. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

37 - Visvedevas

Let your best-bearing car that must be lauded, never injured, bring you Vajas and Ribhuksans.

Fill you, fair-helmeted! with mighty Soma, thrice-mixed, at our libations to delight you. (1)

You who behold the light of heaven, Ribhuksans, give our rich patrons unmolested riches.

Drink, heavenly-natured. at our sacrifices, and give us bounties for the hymns we sing you. (2)

For you, Bounteous One, are used to giving, at parting treasure whether small or ample.

Filled full are both your arms with great possessions: your goodness keeps you not from granting riches. (3)

Indra, high-famed, as Vaja and Ribhuksans, you go working, singing to the dwelling.

Lord of bay steeds, this day may we Vasisthas offer our prayers to you and bring oblations. (4)

You winnest swift advancement for your servant, through hymns, Lord of bay steeds, which you have favoured.

For you with friendly succour have we battled, and when, Indra, will you grant us riches? (5)

To us your priests a home, as it were, you give: when, Indra will you recognize our praises?

May your strong steed, through our ancestral worship, bring food and wealth with heroes to our dwelling. (6)

Though Nirrti the goddess reigns round him, Autumns with food in plenty come to Indra.

With three close friends to length of days he comes, he whom men let not rest at home in quiet. (7)

Promise us gifts, Savitar: may riches come to us in Parvata's full bounty.

May the Celestial Guardian still attend us. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

38 - Savitar

ON high has Savitar, this God, extended the golden lustre which he spreads around him.

Now, now must Bhaga be invoked by mortals, Lord of great riches who distributes treasures. (1)

Rise up, Savitar whose hands are golden, and hear this man while sacrifice is offered,

Spreading afar your broad and wide effulgence, and bringing mortal men the food that feeds them. (2)

Let Savitar the god he hymned with praises, to whom the Vasus, even, all sing glory.

Sweet be our lauds to him whose due is worship: may he with all protection guard our princes. (3)

Even he whom Aditi the goddess praises, rejoicing in God Savitar's incitement:

Even he who praise the high imperial Rulers, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, sing in concert. (4)

They who come emulous to our oblation, dispensing bounty, from the earth and heaven.

May they and Ahibudhnya hear our calling: guard us Varutri with the Ekadhenus. (5)

This may the Lord of Life, entreated, grant us,-the wealth which Savitar the god possesses.

The mighty calls on Bhaga for protection, on Bhaga calls the weak to give him riches. (6)

Bless us the Vajins when we call, while slowly they move, strong Singers, to the gods' assembly.

Crushing the wolf, the serpent, and the demons, may they completely banish all affliction. (7)

Deep-skilled in Law eternal, deathless, Singers, Vajins, help us in each fray for booty.

Drink of this meath, he satisfied, be joyful: then go on paths which gods are wont to travel.

39 - Visvedevas

Agni, erect, has shown enriching favour: the flame goes forward to the gods' assembly.

Like car-borne men the stones their path have chosen: let the priest, quickened, celebrate our worship. (1)

Soft to the tread, their sacred grass is scattered: these go like Kings amid the band around them,

At the folks early call on Night and Morning,-Vayu, and Pusan with his team, to bless us. (2)

Here on their path the noble gods proceeded: in the wide firmament the Beauteous decked them.

Bend your way here, you who travel widely: hear this our envoy who has gone to meet you. (3)

For they are holy aids at sacrifices: all gods approach the place of congregation.

Bring these, desirous, to our worship, Agni, swift the Nisatyas, Bhaga, and Purandhi. (4)

Agni, to these men's hymns, from earth, from heaven, bring Mitra, Varuna, Indra, and Agni,

And Aryaman, and Aditi, and Vishnu. Sarasvati be joyful, and the Maruts. (5)

Even as the holy wish, the gift is offered: may he, unsated, come when men desire him.

Give never-failing ever-conquering riches: with gods for our allies may we be victors. (6)

Now have both worlds been praised by the Vasisthas; and holy Mitra, Varuna, and Agni.

May they, bright deities, make our song supremest. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

40 - Visvedevas

BE gathered all the audience of the synod: let us begin their praise whose course is rapid.

Whatever God Savitar this day produces, may we be where the Wealthy One distributes. (1)

This, dealt from heaven ' may both the Worlds vouchsafe us, and Varuna, Indra, Aryaman, and Mitra.

May Goddess Aditi assign us riches, Vayu and Bhaga make them ours forever. (2)

Strong be the man and full of power, Maruts, whom you, borne on by spotted coursers, favour.

Him, too, Sarasvati and Agni further, and there is none to rob him of his riches. (3)

This Varuna is guide of Law, he, Mitra, and Aryaman, the Kings, our work have finished.

Divine and foeless Aditi quickly listens. May these deliver us unharmed from trouble. (4)

With offerings I propitiate the branches of this swift-moving God, the bounteous Vishnu.

Hence Rudra gained his Rudra-strength: Asvins, you sought the house that has celestial viands. (5)

Be not you angry here, glowing Pusan, for what Varutri and the Bounteous gave us.

May the swift-moving gods protect and bless us, and Vata send us rain, wha wanders round us. (6)

Now have both worlds been praised by the Vasisthas, and holy Mitra, Varuna, and Agni.

May they, bright deities, make our song supremest. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

41 - Bhaga

Agni at dawn, and Indra we invoke at dawn, and Varuna and Mitra, and the Asvins twain.

Bhaga at dawn, Pusan, and Brahmanaspati, Soma at dawn, Rudra we will invoke at dawn. (1)

We will invoke strong, early-conquering Bhaga, the Son of Aditi, the great supporter:

Thinking of whom, the poor, yea, even the mighty, even the King himself says, Give me Bhaga. (2)

Bhaga our guide, Bhaga whose gifts are faithful, favour this song, and give us wealth, Bhaga.

Bhaga, augment our store of cows and horses, Bhaga, may we be rich in men and heroes. (3)

So may felicity be ours at present, and when the day approaches, and at noontide;

And may we still, Bounteous One, at sunset be happy in the deities' loving-kindness. (4)

May Bhaga verily be bliss-bestower, and through him, gods! may happiness attend us.

As such, Bhaga, all with might invoke you: as such be you our Champion here, Bhaga. (5)

To this our worship may all Dawns incline them, and come to the pure place like Dadhikravan.

As strong steeds draw a chariot may they bring us hereward Bhaga who discovers treasure. (6)

May blessed Mornings dawn on us forever, with wealth of cows, of horses, and of heroes,

Streaming with all abundance, pouring fatness. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

42 - Visvedevas

Let Brahmans and Angirases come forward, and let the roar of cloudy heaven surround us.

Loud low the Milch-cows swimming in the waters: set be the stones that grace our holy service. (1)

Fair, Agni, is your long-known path to travel: yoke for the juice tfiy bay, your ruddy horses,

Or red steeds, hero-bearing, for the chamber. Seated, I call the deities' generations. (2)

They glorify your sacrifice with worship, yet the glad priest near them is left unequalled.

Bring the gods here, you of many aspects: turn hereward Aramati the Holy. (3)

What time the Guest has made himself apparent, at ease reclining in the rich man's dwelling,

Agni, well-pleased, well-placed within the chamber gives to a house like this wealth worth the choosing. (4)

Accept this sacrifice of ours, Agni; glorify it with Indra and the Maruts.

Here on our grass let Night and Dawn be seated: bring longing Varuna and Mitra here. (5)

Thus has Vasistha praised victorious Agni, yearning for wealth that givs all subsistence.

May he bestow on us food, strength, and riches. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

43 - Visvedevas

SING out the pious at your sacrifices to move with adorations Earth and Heaven-

The Holy Singers, whose unmatched devotions, like a tree's branches, part in all directions. (1)

Let sacrifice proceed like some fleet courser: with one accord lift you on high the ladles.

Strew sacred grass meet for the solenm service: bright flames that love the gods have mounted upward. (2)

Like babes in arms reposing on their mother, let the gods sit upon the grass's summit.

Let general fire make bright the flame of worship: scorn us not, Agni, in the gods' assembly. (3)

Gladly the gods have let themselves be honoured, milking the copious streams of holy Order.

The highest might today is yours, the Vasits': come you, as many as you are, one-minded. (4)

So, Agni, send us wealth among the people: may we be closely knit to you, Victor,

Unharmed, and rich, and taking joy together. Preserve us evermore, you ods, with blessings.

44 - Dadhikras

I CALL on Dadhikras, the first, to give you aid, the Asvins, Bhaga, Dawn, and Agni kindled well,

Indra, and Vishnu, Pusan, Brahmanaspati, Adityas, Heaven and Earth, the Waters, and the Light. (1)

When, rising, to the sacrifice we hasten, awaking Dadhikras with adorations.

Seating on sacred grass the goddess Ila. let us invoke the sage swift-hearing Asvins. (2)

While I am thus arousing Dadhikravan I speak to Agni, Earth, and Dawn, and Surya,

The red, the brown of Varuna ever mindful: may they ward off from us all grief and trouble. (3)

Foremost is Dadhikravan, vigorous courser; in forefront of the cars, his way he knows,

Closely allied with Surya and with Morning, Adityas, and Angirases, and Vasus. (4)

May Dadhikras prepare the way we travel that we may pass along the path of Order.

May Agni bear us, and the Heavenly Army: hear us all Mighty Ones whom none deceives.

45 - Savitar

MAY the god Savitar, rich in goodly treasures, filling the region, borne by steeds, come here,

In his hand holding much that makes men happy, lulling to slumber and arousing creatures. (1)

Golden, sublime, and easy in their motion, his arms extend to the bounds of heaven.

Now shall that mightiness of his he lauded: even Surya yields to him in active vigour. (2)

May this God Savitar, the Strong and Mighty, the Lord of precious wealth, vouchsafe us treasures.

May he, advancing his far-spreading lustre, bestow on us the food that feeds mortals. (3)

These songs praise Savitar whose tongue is pleasant, praise him whose arms are full, whose hands are lovely.

High vital strength, and manifold, may he grant us. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

46 - Rudra

To Rudra bring these songs, whose bow is firm and strong, the self-dependent God with swiftly-flying shafts,

The Wise, the Conqueror whom none may overcome, armed with sharp-pointed weapons: may he hear our call. (1)

He through his lordship thinks on beings of the earth, on heavenly beings through his high imperial sway.

Come willingly to our doors that gladly welcome you, and heal all sickness, Rudra., in our families. (2)

May your bright arrow which, shot down by you from heaven, flis upon the earth, pass us uninjured by.

You, very gracious God, bast thousand medicines: inflict no evil on our sons or progeny. (3)

Slay us not, nor abandon us, Rudra let not your noose, when you are angry, seize us.

Give us trimmed grass and fame among the living. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

47 - Waters

MAY we obtain this day from you, Waters, that wave of pure refreshment, which the pious

Made erst the special beverage of Indra, bright, stainless, rich in sweets and dropping fatness. (1)

May the Floods' Offspring, he whose course is rapid, protect that wave most rich in sweets, Waters,

That shall make Indra and the Vasus joyful. This may we gain from you today, we pious. (2)

All-purifying, joying in their nature, to paths of gods the goddesses move onward.

They never violate the laws of Indra. Present the oil-rich offering to the Rivers. (3)

Whom Surya with his bright beams has attracted, and Indra dug the path for them to travel,

May these Streams give us ample room and freedom. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

48 - Ribhus

You liberal heroes, Vajas and Ribhuksans, come and delight you with our flowing Soma.

May your strength, Vibhus, as you come to meet us, turn hereward your car that brings men profit. (1)

May we as Ribhu with your Ribhus conquer strength with our strength, as Vibhus with the Vibhus.

May Vaja aid us in the fight for booty, and helped by Indra may we quell the foeman. (2)

For they rule many tribes with high dominion, and conquer all their foes in close encounter.

May Indra, Vibhvan, Vaja, and Ribhuksan destroy by turns the wicked foeman's valour. (3)

Now, deities, give us ample room and freedom: be all of you, one-minded, our protection.

So let the Vasus grant us strength and vigour. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

49 - Waters

FORTH from the middle of the flood the Waters-their chief the Sea-flow cleansing, never sleeping.

Indra, the Bull, the Thunderer, dug their channels: here let those Waters, Goddesses, protect me. (1)

Waters which come from heaven, or those that wander dug from the earth, or flowing free by nature,

Bright, purifying, speeding to the Ocean, here let those Waters. Goddesses, protect me. (2)

Those amid whom goes Varuna the Sovran, he who discriminates men's truth and falsehood-

Distilling meath, the bright, the purifying, here let those Waters, Goddesses, protect me. (3)

They from whom Varuna the King, and Soma, and all the deities drink strength and vigour,

They into whom Vaisvanara Agni entered, here let those Waters, Goddesses, protect Me.

50 - Various deities

MITRA-VARUNA, guard and protect me here: let not that come to me which nests within and swells.

I drive afar the scorpion hateful to the sight: let not the winding worm touch me and wound my foot. (1)

Eruption that appears upon the twofold joints, and that which overspreads the ankles and the knees,

May the refulgent Agni banish far away let not the winding worm touch me and wound my foot. (2)

The poison that is formed upon the Salmali, that which is found in streams, that which the plants produce,

All this may all the gods banish and drive away: let not the winding worm touch me and wound my foot. (3)

The steep declivities, the valleys, and the heights, the channels full of water, and the waterless-

May those who swell with water, gracious Goddesses, never afflict us with the Sipada disease, may all the rivers keep us free from Simida.

51 - Adityas

Through the Adityas' most auspicious shelter, through their most recent succour may we conquer.

May they, the Mighty, giving ear, establish this sacrifice, to make us free and sinless. (1)

Let Aditi rejoice and the Adityas, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, most righteous.

May they, the Guardians of the world, protect us, and, to show favour, drink this day our Soma. (2)

All Universal deities, the Maruts, all the Adityas, yea, and all the Ribhus,

Indra, and Agni, and the Asvins, lauded. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

52 - Adityas

MAY we be free from every bond, Adityas! a castle among gods and men, you Vasus.

Winning, may we win Varuna and Mitra, and, being, may we be, Earth and Heaven. (1)

May Varuna and Mitra grant this blessing, our Guardians, shelter to our seed and offspring.

Let us not suffer for another's trespass. nor do the thing that you, Vasus, punish. (2)

The ever-prompt Angirases, imploring riches from Savitar the god, obtained them.

So may our Father who is great and holy, and all the gods, accordant, grant this favour.

53 - Heaven and Earth

AS priest with solemn rites and adorations I worship Heaven and Earth, the High and Holy.

To them, great Parents of the gods, have sages of ancient time, singing, assigned precedence. (1)

With newest hymns set in the seat of Order, those the Two Parents, born before all others,

Come, Heaven and Earth, with the Celestial People, here to us, for strong is your protection. (2)

Yea, Heaven and Earth, you hold in your possession full many a treasure for the liberal giver.

Grant us that wealth which comes in free abundance. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

54 - Vastospati

ACKNOWLEDGE us, Guardian of the Homestead: bring no disease, and give us happy entrance.

Whatever we ask of you, be pleased to grant it, and prosper you quadrupeds and bipeds. (1)

Protector of the Home, be our promoter: increase our wealth in cows and steeds, Indu.

May we be ever-youthful in your friendship: be pleased in us as in his sons a father. (2)

Through your dear fellowship that brings welfare, may we be victors, Guardian of the Dwelling!

Protect our happiness in rest and labour. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

55 - Vastospati

VASTOSPATI, who killest all disease and wearest every form,

Be an auspicious friend to us. (1)

When, bright Son of Sarama, you show, tawny-hued! your teeth,

They gleam like lances' points within your mouth when you wouldst bite; go you to steep. (2)

Sarama's Son, retrace your way: bark at the robber and the thief.

At Indra's singers barkest you? Why dust you seek to terrify us? Go to sleep. (3)

Be on your guard against the boar, and let the boar beware of you.

At Indra's singers barkest you? Why do you seek to terrify us? Go to sleep. (4)

Sleep mother, let the father sleep, sleep dog and master of the house.

Let all the kinsmen sleep, sleep all the people who are round about. (5)

The man who sits, the man who walks, and whosoever looks on us,

Of these we closely shut the eyes, even as we closely shut this house. (6)

The Bull who has a thousand horns, who rises up from out the sea,

By him the Strong and Mighty One we lull and make the people sleep. (7)

The women sleeping in the court, lying without, or stretched on beds,

The matrons with their odorous sweetsthese, one and all, we lull to sleep.

56 - Maruts

Wno are these radiant men in serried rank, Rudra's young heroes borne by noble steeds? (1)

Verily no one knows whence they sprang: they, and they only, know each other's birth. (2)

They strew each other with their blasts, these Hawks: they strove together, roaring like the wind. (3)

A sage was he who knew these mysteries, what in her udder mighty Prishni bore. (4)

Ever victorious, through the Maruts, be this band of heroes, nursing manly strength, (5)

Most bright in splendour, flectest on their way, close-knit to glory, strong with varied power. (6)

Yea, mighty is your power and firm your strength: so, potent, with the Maruts, be the band. (7)

Bright is your spirit, wrathful are your minds: your bold troop's minstrel is like one inspired. (8)

Ever avert your blazing shaft from us, and let not your displeasure reach us here (9)

Your dear names, conquering Maruts, we invoke, calling aloud till we are satisfied. (10)

Well-armed, impetuous in their haste, they deck themselves, their forms, with oblations: to you, the pure, ornaments made of gold. (11)

Pure, Maruts, pure yourselves, are your oblations: to you, the pure, pure sacrifice I offer.

By Law they came to truth, the Law's observers, bright by their birth, and pure, and sanctifying. (12)

Your rings, Maruts, rest upon your shoulders, and chains of gold are twined upon your bosoms.

Gleaming with drops of rain, like lightning-flashes, after your wont you whirl about your weapons. (13)

Wide in the depth of air spread forth your glories, far, most adorable, you bear your titles.

Maruts, accept this thousandfold allotment of household sacrifice and household treasure. (14)

If, Maruts, you regard the praise recited here at this mighty singer invocation,

Vouchsafe us quickly wealth with noble heroes, wealth which no man uho hats us may injure. (15)

The Maruts, fleet as coursers, while they deck them like youths spectators of a festal meeting,

Linger, like beauteous colts, about the dwelling, like frisking calves, these who pour down the water. (16)

So may the Maruts help us and be gracious, bringing free room to lovely Earth and Heaven.

Far be your bolt that slays men and cattle. You Vasus, turn yourselves to us with blessings. (17)

The priest, when seated, loudly calls you, Maruts, praising in song your universal bounty.

He, Bulls! who has so much in his possession, free from duplicity, with hymns invokes you. (18)

These Maruts bring the swift man to a stand-still, and strength with mightier strength they break and humble

These guard the singer from the man who hates him and lay their sore displeasure on the wicked. (19)

These Maruts rouse even the poor and needy: the Vasus love him as an active champion.

Drive to a distance, you Bulls, the darkness: give us full store of children and descendants. (20)

Never, Maruts, may we lose your bounty, nor, car-borne lords! be hitidmost when you deal it.

Give us a share in that delightful treasure, the genuine wealth that, Bulls! is your possession. (21)

What time the men in fury rush together for running streams, for pastures, and for houses.

Then, you Maruts, you who spring from Rudra, be our protectors in the strife with foemen. (22)

Full many a deed you did for our forefathers worthy of lauds which, even of old, they sang you.

lle strong man, with the Maruts, wins in battle, the charger, with the Maruts, gains the booty. (23)

Ours, you Maruts, be the vigorous hero, the Lord Divine of men, the strong Sustainer,

With whom to fair lands we may cross the waters, and dwell in our own home with you beside us. (24)

May Indra, Mitra, Varuna and Agni, Waters, and Plants, and Trees accept our praises.

May we find shelter in the Marut's bosom. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

57 - Maruts

YEA, through the power of your sweet juice, you Holy! the Marut host is glad at sacrifices.

They cause even spacious heaven and earth to tremble, they make the spring flow when they come, the Mighty. (1)

The Maruts watch the man who sings their praises, promoters of the thought of him who worships.

Seat you on sacred grass in our assembly, this day, with friendly minds, to share the banquet. (2)

No others gleam so brightly as these Maruts with their own forms, their golden gauds, their weapons.

With all adornments, decking earth and heaven, they heighten, for bright show, their common splendour. (3)

Far from us be your blazing dart, Maruts, when we, through human frailty, sin against you.

Let us not he exposed to that, you Holy! May your most loving favour still attend us. (4)

May even what we have done delight the Maruts, the blameless Ones, the bright, the purifying.

Further us, you Holy, with your kindness: advance us mightily that we may prosper. (5)

And may the Maruts, praised by all their titles, heroes, enjoy the taste of our oblations.

Give us of Amrita for the sake of offspring: awake the excellent fair stores of riches. (6)

Here, you Maruts, praised, with all your succours, with all felicity come to our princes,

Who, of themselves, a hundredfold increase us. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

58 - Maruts

SING to the troop that pours down rain in common, the Mighty Company of celestial nature.

They make the world-halves tremble with their greatness: from depths of earth and sky they reach to heaven. (1)

Yea, your birth, Maruts, was with wild commotion, you who move swiftly, fierce in wrath, terrific.

You all-surpassing in your might and vigour, each looker on the light fears at your coming. (2)

Give ample vital power to our princes let our fair praises gratify the Maruts.

As the way travelled helps people onward, so further us with your delightful succours. (3)

Your favoured singer counts his wealth by hundreds: the strong steed whom you favour wins a thousand.

The Sovran whom you aid destroys the foeman. May this your gift, you Shakers, be distinguished. (4)

I call, as such, the Sons of bounteous Rudra: will not the Maruts turn again to us-ward?

What secret sin or open stirs their anger, that we implore the Swift Ones to forgive us. (5)

This eulogy of the Bounteous has been spoken: accept, you Maruts, this our hymn of praises.

You Bulls, keep those who hate us at a distance. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

59 - Maruts

WHOMSyou rescue here and there, whomso you guide, deities,

To him give shelter, Agni, Mitra, Varuna, you Maruts, and you Aryaman. (1)

Through your kind favour, gods, on some auspicious day, the worshipper subdues his foes.

That man increases home and strengthening ample food who brings you offerings as you list. (2)

Vasistha will not overlook the lowliest one among you all.

Maruts, of our soma juice effused today drink all of you with eager haste. (3)

Your succour in the battle injures not the man to whom you, heroes, grant your gifts.

May your most recent favour turn to us again. Come quickly, you who fain would drink. (4)

Come over here to drink the juice, you whose bounties give you joy.

These offerings are for you, these, Maruts, I present. Go not to any place but this. (5)

Sit on our sacred grass, be graciously inclined to give the wealth for which we long,

To take delight, you Maruts, friends of all, with Svaha, in sweet soma juice. (6)

Decking the beauty of their forms in secret the Swans with purple backs have flown down here.

Around me all the Company has settled, like joyous heroes glad in our libation. (7)

Maruts, the man whose wrath is hard to master, he who would slay us before we think, Vasus,

May he be tangled in the toils of mischief; smite you him down with your most flaming weapon. (8)

Maruts, you consuming gods, enjoy this offering brought for you,

To help us, you who slay the foe. (9)

Sharers of household sacrifice, come, Maruts, stay not far away,

That you may help us, Bounteous Ones. (10)

Here, Self-strong Maruts, yea, even here. you Sages with your sunbright skins

I dedicate your sacrifice. (11)

Tryambaka we worship, sweet augmenter of prosperity.

As from its stem the cucumber, so may I be released from death, not reft of immortality.

60 - Mitra-Varuna

When you, Sun, this day, arising sinless, shall speak the truth to Varuna and Mitra,

Aditi, may all the deities love us, and you, Aryaman, while we are singing. (1)

Looking on man, Varuna and Mitra, this Sun ascends up by both the pathways,

Guardian of all things fixt, of all that moves, beholding good and evil acts of mortals. (2)

He from their home has yoked the Seven gold coursers who, dropping oil and fatness, carry Surya.

Yours, Varuna and Mitra, he surveys the worlds and living creatures like a herdsman. (3)

Your coursers rich in store of sweets have mounted: to the bright ocean Surya has ascended,

For whom the Adityas make his pathway ready, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna, accordant. (4)

For these, even Aryaman, Varuna and Mitra, are the chastisers of all guile and falsehood.

These, Aditi's Sons, infallible and mighty, have waxen in the home of law Eternal. (5)

These, Mitra, Varuna whom none deceives, with great power quicken even the fool to wisdom,

And, wakening, moreover, thoughtful insight, lead it by easy paths over grief and trouble. (6)

They ever vigilant, with eyes that close not, caring for heaven and earth, lead on the thoughtless.

Even in the river's bed there is a shallow. across this broad expanse may they conduct us. (7)

When Aditi and Varuna and Mitra, like guardians, give Sudas their friendly shelter,

Granting him sons and lineal succession, let us not, bold ones! move the gods to anger. (8)

May he with ofierings purify the altar from any stains of Varuna's reviler.

Aryaman save us us all those who hate us: give room and freedom to Sudas, you Mighty. (9)

Hid from our eyes is their resplendent meeting: by their mysterious might they hold dominion.

Heroes! we cry trembling in fear before you, even in the greatness of your power have mercy. (10)

He who wins favour for his prayer by worship, that he may gain him strength and highest riches,

That good man's mind the Mighty Ones will follow: they have brought comfort to his spacious dwelling. (11)

This priestly task, gods! Varuna and Mitra! has been performed for you at sacrifices.

Convey us safely over every peril. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

61 - Mitra-Varuna

VARUNA and Mitra, Surya spreading the beauteous light of you two gods ariseth.

He who beholdetb all existing creatures observetb well the zeal that is in mortals. (1)

The holy sage, renowned afar, directs his hymns to you, Varuna and Mitra,

He whose devotions, sapient gods, you favour so that you fill, as it were, with power his autumns. (2)

From the wide earth, Varuna and Mitra from the great lofty heaven, you, Bounteous Givers, -

Have in the fields and houses set your warder-, who visit every spot and watch unceasing. (3)

I praise the strength of Varuna and Mitra that strength, by mightiness, keeps both worlds asunder.

Heroless pass the months of the ungodly he who loves sacrifice makes his home enduring. (4)

Steers, all infallible are these your people in whom no wondrous thing is seen, no worship.

Guile follows close the men who are untruthful: no secrets may be hidden from your knowledge. (5)

I will exalt your sacrifice with homage: as priest, I, Mitra-Varuna, invoke you.

May these new hymns and prayers that I have fashioned delight you to the profit of the singer. (6)

This priestly task, gods! Varuna and Mitra! has been performed for you at sacrifices.

Convey us safely over every peril. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

62 - Mitra-Varuna

SURYA has sent aloft his beams of splendour over all the tribes of men in countless places.

Together with the heaven he shines apparent, formed by his Makers well with power and wisdom. (1)

So have you mounted up before us, Surya, through these our praises, with fleet dappled horses.

Declare us free from all offence to Mitra, and Varuna, and Aryaman, and Agni. (2)

May holy Agni, Varuna, and Mitra send down their riches upon us in thousands.

May they, the Bright Ones, make our praise-song perfect, and, when we laud them, grant us all our wishes. (3)

Undivided Heaven and Earth, preserve us, us, Lofty Ones! your nobIy-born descendants.

Let us not anger Varuna, nor Vayu, nor him, the dearest friend of mortals, Mitra. (4)

Stretch forth your arms and let our lives be lengthened: with fatness dew the pastures of our cattle.

You Youthful, make us famed among the people: hear, Mitra-Varuna, these mine invocations. (5)

Now Mitra, Varuna, Aryaman vouchsafe us freedom and room, for us and for our children.

May we find paths all fair and good to travel. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

63 - Mitra-Varuna

COMMON to all mankind, auspicious Surya, he who beholds all, is mounting upward;

The god, the eye of Varuna and Mitra, who rolled up darkness like a piece of leather. (1)

Surya's great ensign, restless as the billow, that urgs men to action, is advancing:

Onward he still would roll the wheel well-rounded, which Etasa, harnessed to the car-pole, moves. (2)

Refulgent from the bosom of the Mornings, he in Whom singers take delight ascendeth.

This Savitar, God, is my chief joy and pleasure, who breaks not the universal statute. (3)

Golden, far-seeing, from the heaven he riseth: far is his goal, he hasts on resplendent.

Men, verily, inspirited by Surya speed to their aims and do the work assigned them. (4)

Where the irrunortals have prepared his pathway he flis through the region like a falcon.

With homage and oblations will we serve you, Mitra-Varuna, when the Sun has risen. (5)

Now Mitra, Varuna, Aryaman vouchsafe us freedom and room, for us and for our children.

May we find paths all fair and good to travel. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

64 - Mitra-Varuna

You two who rule, in heaven and earth, the region, clothed be your clouds in robes of oil and fatness.

May the imperial Varuna, and Mitra, and high-born Aryaman accept our presents. (1)

Kings, guards of rrtighty everlasting Order, come over here, you Princes, lords of Rivers.

Send us from heaven, Varuna and Mitra, rain and sweet food, you who pour down your bounties. (2)

May the dear God, and Varuna and Mitra conduct us by the most effective pathways,

That foes may say to Sudas our chieftain, May, we, too, joy in food with gods to guard us. (3)

Him who has wrought for you this car in spirit, who makes the song rise upward and sustains it,

Bedew with fatness, Varuna nd Mitra you Kings, make glad the pleasant dwelling-places. (4)

To you this laud, Varuna and Mitra is offered like bright soma juice to Vayu.

Favour our songs of praise, wake thought and spirit. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

65 - Mitra-Varuna

With hymns I call you, when the Sun has risen, Mitra, and Varuna whose thoughts are holy,

Whose Power Divine, supreme and everlasting, comes with good heed at each man's supplication. (1)

For they are Asuras of gods, the friendly make, both of you, our lands exceeding fruitful.

May we obtain you, Varuna and Mitra, wherever Heaven and Earth and days may bless us. (2)

Bonds of the sinner, they bear many nooses: the wicked mortal hardly may escape them.

Varuna-Mitra, may your path of Order bear us over trouble as a boat over waters. (3)

Come, taste our offering, Varuna and Mitra: bedew our pasture wil sweet food and fatness.

Pour down in plenty here upon the people the choicest of your fair celestial water. (4)

To you this laud, Varuna and Mitra, is offered, like bright soma juice to Vayu.

Favour our songs of praise, wake thought and spirit. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

66 - Mitra-Varuna

Let our strong hymn of praise go forth, the laud of Mitra-Varuna,

With homage to that high-born Pair; (1)

The Two exceeding wise, the Sons of Daksa, whom the gods ordained

For lordship, excellently great. (2)

Such, Guardians of our homes and us, Mitra-Varuna, fulfil

The thoughts of those who sing your praise. (3)

So when the Sun has risen today, may sinless Mitra, Aryaman,

Bhaga, and Savitar sendus forth. (4)

May this our home be guarded well forward, you Bounteous, on the way,

Who bear us safely over distress. (5)

. And those Self-reigning, Aditi, whose statute is inviolate,

The Kings who rule a vast domain. (6)

Soon as the Sun has risen, to you, to Mitra-Varuna, I sing,

And Aryarnan who slays the foe. (7)

With wealth of gold may this my song bring unmolested power and might,

And, Brahmans, gain the sacrifice. (8)

May we be your, God Varuna, and with our princes, Mitra, your.

Food and Heaven's light will we obtain. (9)

Many are they who strengthen Law, Sun-eyed, with Agni for their tongue,

They who direct the three great gatherings with their thoughts, yea, all things with surpassing might. (10)

They who have stablished year and month and then the day, night, sacrifice and holy verse,

Varuna, Mitra, Aryarnan, the Kings, have won dominion which none else may gain. (11)

So at the rising of the Sun we think of you with hymns today,

Even as Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman deserve: you are the charioteers of Law. (12)

True to Law, born in Law the strengtheners of Law, terrible, haters of the false,

In their felicity which gives the best defence may we men and our princes dwell. (13)

Uprises, on the slope of heaven, that marvel that attracts die sight

As swift celestial Etasa bears it away, prepared for every eye to see. (14)

Lord of each single head, of fixt and moving things, equally through the whole expanse,

The Seven sister Bays bear Surya on his car, to bring us wealth and happiness. (15)

A hundred autumns may we see that bright Eye, God-ordained, arise

A hundred autumns may we live. (16)

Infallible through your wisdom, come here, resplendent Varuna,

And Mitra, to the soma draught. (17)

Come as the laws of Heaven ordain, Varuna, Mitra, void of guile:

Press near and drink the soma juice. (18)

Come, Mitra, Varuna, accept, heroes, our sacrificial gift:

Drink Soma, you who strengthen Law.

67 - Asvins

I With a holy heart that brings oblation will sing forth praise to meet your car, you Princes,

Which, Much-desired! has wakened as your envoy. I call you here as a son his parents. (1)

Brightly has Agni shone by us enkindled: the limits even of darkness were apparent.

Eastward is seen the Banner of the Morning, the Banner born to give Heaven's Daughter glory. (2)

With hymns the deft priest is about you, Asvins, the eloquent priest attends you now, Nasatyas.

Come by the paths that you are wont to travel, on car that finds the light, laden with treasure. (3)

When, suppliant for your help, Lovers of Sweetness! I seeking wealth call you to our libation,

Hereward let your vigorous horses bear you: drink you with us the well-pressed soma juices. (4)

Bring forward, Asvins, gods, to its fulfilment my never-wearied prayer that asks for riches.

Vouchsafe us all high spirit in the combat, and with your powers, lords of Power, assist us. (5)

Favour us in these prayers of ours, Asvins. May we have genial vigour, never to fail us.

So may we, strong in children and descendants, go, wealthy, to the banquet that awaits you. (6)

Lovers of Sweetness, we have brought this treasure to you as it were an envoy sent for friendship.

Come to us with spirits free from anger, in homes of men enjoying our oblation. (7)

With one, the same, intention, you swift movers, over the Seven Rivers has your chariot travelled.

Yoked by the gods, your strong steeds never weary while speeding forward at the pole they bear you. (8)

Exhaustless be your bounty to our princes who with their wealth incite the gift of riches,

Who further friendship with their noble natures, combining wealth in cows with wealth in herses. (9)

Now hear, Youthful two, mine invocation: come, Asvins, to the home where food aboundeth.

Vouchsafe us wealth, do honour to our nobles. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

68 - Asvins

Come, radiant Asvins, with your noble horses: accept your servant's hymns, you Wonder-Workers:

Enjoy oblations which we bring to greet you. (1)

The gladdening juices stand prepared before you: come quickly and partake of mine oblation.

Pass by the calling of our foe and bear us. (2)

Your chariot with a hundred aids, Asvins, bears you swift as thought across the regions,

Speeding to us, you whose wealth is Surya. (3)

What time this stone of yours, the gods' adorer, upraised, sounds forth for you as Soma-presser,

Let the priest bring you, Fair Ones, through oblations. (4)

The nourishment you have is, truly, wondrous: you gave thereof a quickening store to Atri,

Who being dear to you, receives your favour. (5)

That gift, which all may gain, you gave Cyavana, when he grew old, who offered you oblations,

When you bestowed on him enduring beauty. (6)

What time his wicked friends abandoned Bhujyu, Asvins, in the middle of the ocean,

Your horse delivered him, your faithful servant. (7)

You lent your aid to Vrka when exhausted, and listened when invoked to Sayu's calling.

You made the cow pour forth her milk like water, and, Asvins, strengthened with your strength the barren. (8)

With his fair hymns this singer, too, extols you, waking with glad thoughts at the break of morning.

May the cow nourish him with milk to feed llim. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

69 - Asvins

MAY your gold chariot, drawn by vigorous horses, come to us, blocking up the earth

and heaven,

Bright with its fellies while its way drops fatness, food-laden, rich in coursers, man's protector. (1)

Let it approach, yoked by thewill, three-seated, extending far and wide over fivefold beings,

Whereon you visit God-adoring races, bending your course where you will, Asvins. (2)

Renowned, with noble horses, come here: drink, Wondrous Pair, the cup that holds sweet juices.

Your car whereon your Spouse is wont to travel marks with its track the farthest ends of heaven. (3)

When night was turning to the grey of morning the Maiden, Surya's Daughter, chose your splendour.

When with your power and might you aid the pious he comes through heat to life by your assistance. (4)

Chariot-borne, this car of yours invested with rays of light comes harnessed to our dwelling.

Herewith, Asvins, while the dawn is breaking, to this our sacrifice bring peace and blessing. (5)

Like the wild cattle thirsty for the lightning, heroes, come nigh this day to our libations.

Men call on you with hymns in many places, but let not other worshippers detain you. (6)

Bhujyu, abandoned in the midst of ocean, you raised from out the water with your horses,

Uninjured, winged, flagging not, undaunted, with deeds of wonder saving him, Asvins. (7)

Now hear, Youthful two, mine invocation: come, Asvins, to the home where food aboundeth.

Vouchsafe us wealth, do honour to our nobles. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

70 - Asvins

RICH in all blessings, Asvins come here: this place on earth is called your own possession,

Like a strong horse with a fair back it standeth, whereon, as in a lap, you seat you firmly. (1)

This most delightful eulogy awaits you in the man's house drink-offering has been heated,

Which brings you over the seas and rivers, yoking as'twere two well-matched shining horses. (2)

Whatever dwellings you possess, Asvins, in fields of men or in the streams of heaven,

Resting upon the summit of the mountain, or bringing food to him who gives oblation, (3)

Delight yourselves, you gods, in plants and waters when Rishis give them and you find they suit You.

Enriching us with treasures in abundance you have looked back to former generations. (4)

Asvins, though you have heard them often aforetime, regard the many prayers which Rishis offer.

Come to the man even as his heart desireth: may we enjoy your most delightful favour. (5)

Come to the sacrifice offered you, Nasatyas, with men, oblations, and prayer duly uttered.

Come to Vasistha as his heart desireth, for to you these holy hymns are chanted. (6)

This is the thought, this is the song, Asvins: accept this hymn of ours, you Steers, with favour.

May these our prayers addressed to you come nigh you. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

71 - Asvins

The Night retirs from the Dawn her Sister; the Dark one yieldeth to the Red her pathway.

Let us invoke you rich in steeds and cattle - by day and night keep far from us the arrow. (1)

Bearing rich treasure in your car, Asvins, come to the mortal who presents oblation.

Keep at a distance penury and sickness; Lovers of Sweetness, day and night preserve us. (2)

May your strong horses, seeking bliss, bring here your chariot at the earliest flush of morning.

With coursers yoked by Law drive here, Asvins, your car whose reins are light, laden with treasure. (3)

The chariot, Princes, that conveys you, moving at daylight, triple-seated, fraught with riches,

Even with this come to us, Nasatyas, that laden with all food it may approach us. (4)

You freed Cyavana from old age and weakness: you brought the courser fleet of food to Pedu.

You rescued Atri from distress and darkness, and loosed for Jahusa the bonds that bound him. (5)

This is the thought, this is the song, Asvins: accept this hymn of ours, you Steers, With favour.

May these our prayers addressed to you come nigh you. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

72 - Asvins

Come, Nasatyas, on your car resplendent, rich in abundant wealth of cows and horses.

As harnessed steeds, all our laudations follow you whose forms shine with most delightful beauty. (1)

Come with the gods associate, come here to us, Nasatyas, with your car accordant.

'Twixt you and us there is ancestral friendship and common kin: remember and regard it. (2)

Awakened are the songs that praise the Asvins, the kindred prayers and the Celestial Mornings.

Inviting those we long for, Earth and Heaven, the singer calls these Nasatyas here. (3)

What time the Dawns break forth in light, Asvins, to you the poets offer their devotions.

God Savitar has sent aloft his splendour, and fires sing praises with the kindled fuel. (4)

Come from the west, come from the cast, Nasatyas, come, Asvins, from below and from above us.

Bring wealth from all sides for the Fivefold People. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

73 - Asvins

We have overpassed the limit of this darkness while, worshipping the gods, we sang their praises.

The song invoks both immortal Asvins far-reaching, born of old, great WonderWorkers. (1)

And, Nasatyas, man's dear priest is seated, who brings to sacrifice and offers worship,

Be near and taste the pleasant juice, Asvins: with food, I call you to the sacrifices. (2)

We choosing you, have let our worship follow its course: you Steers, accept this hymn with favour.

Obeying you as your appointed servant, Vasistha singing has with lauds aroused you. (3)

And these Two priests come nigh to our people, united, demon-slayers, mighty-handed.

The juices that exhilarate are mingled. Injure us not, but come with happy fortune. (4)

Come from the west, come from the cast, Nasatyas, come, Asvins, from below and from above us.

Bring wealth from all sides for the Fivefold People. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

74 - Asvins

THESE morning sacrifices call you, Asvins, at the break of day.

For help have I invoked you rich in power and might: for, house by house you visit all. (1)

Heroes, you bestow wonderful nourishment. send it to him whose songs are sweet

Accordant, both of you, drive your car down to us, and drink the savoury soma juice. (2)

Approach you and be near to us. drink, you Asvins, of the meath.

Draw forth the milk, you Mighty, rich in genuine wealth: injure us not, and come to us. (3)

The horses that convey you in their rapid flight down to the worshipper's abode,

With these your speedy coursers, heroes, Asvins, come, you gods, come well-inclined to us. (4)

Yea, verily, our princes seek the Asvins in pursuit of food.

These shall give lasting glory to our liberal lords, and, both Nasatyas, shelter us. (5)

Those who have led the way, like cars, offending none, those who are guardians of the men-

Also through their own might the heroes have grown strong, and dwell in safe and happy homes.

75 - Dawn

BORN in the heavens the Dawn has flushed, and showing her majesty is come as Law ordaineth.

She has uncovered fiends and hateful darkness; best of Angirases, has waked the pathways. (1)

Rouse us this day to high and happy fortune: to great felicity, Dawn, promote us.

Vouchsafe us manifold and splendid riches, famed among mortals, man-befriending Goddess! (2)

See, lovely Morning's everlasting splendours, bright with their varied colours, have approached us.

Filling the region of mid-air, producing the rites of holy worship, they have mounted. (3)

She yokes her chariot far away, and swiftly visits the lands where the Five Tribes are settled,

Looking upon the works and ways of mortals, Daughter of Heaven, the world's Imperial Lady. (4)

She who is rich in spoil, the Spouse of Surya, wondrously opulent, rules all wealth and treasures.

Consumer of our youth, the seers extol her: lauded by priests rich Dawn shines out refulgent. (5)

Apparent are the steeds of varied colour, the red steeds carrying resplendent Morning.

On her all-lovely car she comes, the Fair One, and brings rich treasure for her faithful servant. (6)

True with the True and Mighty with the Mighty, with gods a Goddess, Holy with the Holy,

She brake strong fences down and gave the cattle: the cows were lowing as they greeted Morning. (7)

Dawn, now give us wealth in cows and heroes, and horses, fraught with manifold enjoyment.

Protect our sacred grass from man's reproaches. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

76 - Dawn

SAVITAR god of all men has sent upward his light, designed for all mankind, immortal.

Through the gods' power that Eye was first created. Dawn has made all the universe apparent. (1)

I see the paths which gods are wont to travel, innocuous paths made ready by the Vasus.

Eastward the flag of Dawn has been uplifted; she has come here over the tops of houses. (2)

Great is, in truth, the number of the Mornings which were aforetime at the Sun's uprising.

Since you, Dawn, have been beheld repairing as to your love, as one no more to leave him. (3)

They were the gods' companions at the banquet, the ancient sages true to Law Eternal.

The Fathers found the light that lay in darkness, and with effectual words begat the Morning. (4)

Meeting together in the same enclosure, they strive not, ofone mind, one with another.

They never break the gods' eternal statutes, and injure none, in rivalry with Vasus. (5)

Extolling you, Blest Goddess, the Vasisthas, awake at early mom, with lauds implore you.

Leader of cows and Queen of all that strengthens, shine, come as first to us, high-born Morning. (6)

She brings bounty and sweet charm of voices. The flushing Dawn is sung by the Vasisthas,

Giving us riches famed to distant places. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

77 - Dawn

SHE has shone brightly like a youthful woman, stirring to motion every living creature.

Agni has come to feed on mortal? fuel. She has made light and chased away the darkness. (1)

Turned to this All, far-spreading, she has risen and shone in brightness with white robes about her.

She has beamed forth lovely with golden colours, Mother of cows, Guide of the days she bringeth. (2)

Bearing the gods' own Eye, auspicious Lady, leading her courser white and fair to look on,

Distinguished by her bean-is Dawn shines apparent, come forth to all the world with wondrous treasure. (3)

Draw nigh with wealth and dawn away the foeman: prepare for us wide pasture free from danger.

Drive away those who hate us, bring us riches: pour bounty, opulent Lady, on the singer. (4)

Send your most excellent beams to shine and light us, giving us lengthened days, goddess of Dawn,

Granting us food, you who have all things precious, and bounty rich in chariots, cows, and horses. (5)

Ushas, nobly-born, Daughter of Heaven, whom the Vasisthas with their hymns make mighty,

Bestow you on us vast and glorious riches. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

78 - Dawn

We have beheld her earliest lights approaching: her many glories part, on high, asunder.

On car sublime, refulgent, wending here, Ushas, bring the Wealth that makes us happy. (1)

The fire well-kindIed sings aloud to greet her, and with their hymns the priests are chaming welcome.

Ushas approaches in her splendour, driving all evil darkness far away, the goddess. (2)

Apparent eastward are those lights of Morning, sending out lustre, as they rise, around them.

She has brought forth Sun, sacrifice, and Agni, and far away has fled detested darkness. (3)

Rich Daughter of the Sky, we all behold her, yea, all men look on Dawn as she is breaking.

fler car that moves self-harnessed has she mounted, the car drawn onward by her well-yoked horses. (4)

Inspired with loving thoughts this day to greet you, we and our wealthy nobles have awakened.

Show yourselves fruitful, Dawns, as you are rising. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

79 - Dawn

ROUSING the lands where men's Five Tribes are settled, Dawn has disclosed the pathways of the people.

She has sent out her sheen with beauteous oxen. The Sun with light has opened earth and heaven. (1)

They paint their bright rays on the sky's far limits. the Dawns come on like tribes arrayed for battle.

Your cattle, closely shutting up the darkness, as Savitar spreads his arms, give forth their lustre. (2)

Wealthy, most like to Indra, Dawn has risen, and brought forth lauds that shall promote our welfare.

Daughter of Heaven, a Goddess, she distributes, best of Angirases, treasures to the pious. (3)

Bestow on us, Dawn, that ample bounty which you did send to those who sang your praises;

You whom with bellowings of a bull they quickened: you did unbar the firm-set mountain's portals. (4)

Impelling every God to grant his bounty sending to us the charm of pleasant voices,

Vouchsafe us thoughts, for profit, as you break. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

80 - Dawn

The priests, Vasisthas, are the first awakened to welcome Ushas with their songs and praises,

Who makes surrounding regions part asunder,and shows apparent all existing creatures. (1)

Giving fresh life when she has hid the darkness, this Dawn has wakened there with new-born lustre.

Youthful and unrestrained she coms forward: she has turned thoughts to Sun and fire and worship. (2)

May blessed Mornings shine on us forever, with wealth of cows, of horses, and of heroes,

Streaming with all abundance, pouring fatness. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

81 - Dawn

ADVANCING, sending forth her rays, the Daughter of the Sky is seen.

Uncovering, that we may see, the mighty gloom, the friendly Lady makes the light. (1)

The Sun ascending, the refulgent Star, pours down his beams together with the Dawn.

Dawn, at your arising, and the Sun's, may we attain the share allotted us. (2)

Promptly we woke to welcome you, Ushas, Daughter of the Sky,

You, Bounteous One, who bringest all we long to have, and to the offerer health and wealth. (3)

You, dawning, workest fain to light the great world, yea, heaven, Goddess! that it may be seen.

We yearn to be your own, Dealer of Wealth: may we be to this Mother like her sons. (4)

Bring us that wondrous bounty, Dawn, that shall be famed most far away.

What, Child of Heaven, you have of nourishment for man, bestow you on us to enjoy. (5)

Give to our princes opulence and immortal fame, and strength in herds of cows to us.

May she who prompts the wealthy, Lady of sweet strains, may Ushas dawn our foes away.

82 - Indra-Varuna

GRANT us your strong protection, IndraVaruna, our people, and our family, for sacrifice.

May we subdue in fight our evil-hearted foes, him who attacks the man steadfast in lengthened rites. (1)

Indra-Varuna, mighty and very rich One of you is called Monarch and One Autocrat.

All gods in the most lofty region of the air have, you Steers, combined all power and might in you. (2)

You with your strength have pierced the fountains of the floods: the Sun have you brought forward as the Lord in heaven.

Cheered by this magic draught you, Indra-Varuna, made the dry places stream, made songs of praise flow forth. (3)

In battels and in frays we ministering priests, kneeling upon our knees for furtherance of our weal,

Invoke you, only you, the lords of twofold wealth, you prompt to hear, we bards, Indra-Varuna. (4)

Indra-Varuna, as you created all these creatures of the world by your surpassing might,

In peace and quiet Mitra waits on Varuna, the Other, awful, with the Maruis seeks renown. (5)

That Varuna's high worth may shine preeminent, these two have measured each his proper power and might.

The One subdus the destructive enemy; the Other with a few furthereth many a man. (6)

No trouble, no misfortune, Indra-Varuna, no woe from any side assails the mortal man

Whose sacrifice, gods, you visit and enjoy: never doth the crafty guile of mortal injure him. (7)

With your divine protection, heroes, come to us: mine invncation hear, if you be pleased therewith.

Bestow you upon us, Indra-Varuna, your friendship and your kinship and your favouring grace. (8)

In battle after battle, Indra-Varuna, be you our Champions, you who are the peoples' strength,

When both opposing bands invoke you for the fight, and men that they may gain offspring and progeny. (9)

May Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Aryaman vouchsafe us glory and great shelter spreading far.

We think of the beneficent light of Aditi, and Savitar's song of praise, the god who strengthens Law.

83 - Indra-Varuna

LOOKING to you and your alliance, you Men, armed with broad axes they went forward, fain for spoil.

You smote and slew his Dasa and his Aryan enemies, and helped Sudas with favour, Indra-Varuna. (1)

Where heroes come together with their banners raised, in the encounter where is naught for us to love,

Where all things that behold the light are terrified, there did you comfort us, Indra-Varuna. (2)

The boundaries of earth were seen all dark with dust: Indra-Varuna, the shout went up to heaven.

The enmities of the people compassed me about. You heard my calling and you came to me with help. (3)

With your resistless weapons, Indra-Varuna, you conquered Bheda and you gave Sudas your aid.

You heard the prayers of these amid the cries of war: effectual was the service of the Trtsus' priest. (4)

Indra-Varuna, the wickedness of foes and mine assailants' hatred sorely trouble me.

You two are lords of riches both of earth and heaven: so grant to us your aid on the decisive day. (5)

The men of both the hosts invoked you in the fight, Indra and Varuna, that they might win the wealth,

What time you helped Sudas, with all the Trtsu folk, when the Ten Kings had pressed him down in their attack. (6)

Ten Kings who worshipped not, Indra-Varuna, confederate, in war prevailed not over Sudas.

True was the boast of heroes sitting at the feast: so at their invocations gods were on their side. (7)

Indra-Varuna, you gave Sudas your aid when the Ten Kings in battle compassed him about,

There where the white-robed Trtsus with their braided hair, skilled in song worshipped you with homage and with hymn. (8)

One of you two destroys the Vritras in the fight, the Other evermore maintains his holy Laws.

We call on you, you Mighty, with our hymns of praise. Vouchsafe us your protection, Indra-Varuna. (9)

May Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Aryaman vouchsafe us glory and great shelter spreading far.

We think of the beneficent light of Aditi, and Savitar's song of praise, the god who strengthens Law.

84 - Indra-Varuna

KINGS, Indra-Varuna, I would turn you here to this our sacrifice with gifts and homage.

Held in both arms the ladle, dropping fatness, goes of itself to you whose forms are varied. (1)

Dyaus quickens and promotes your high dominion who bind with bonds not wrought of rope or cordage.

Far from us still be Varuna's displeasure may Indra give us spacious room to dwell in. (2)

Make you our sacrifice fair amid the assemblies: make you our prayers approved among our princes.

May God-sent riches come for our possession: further us with your delightful succours. (3)

Indra-Varuna, vouchsafe us riches with store of treasure, food, and every blessing;

For the Aditya, banisher of falsehood, the hero, deals wealth in boundless plenty. (4)

May this my song reach Varuna and Indra, and, strongly urging, win me sons and offspring.

To the gods' banquet may we go with riches. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

85 - Indra-Varuna

For you I deck a harmless hymn, presenting the soma juice to Varuna and Indra-

A hymn that shines like heavenly Dawn with fatness. May they be near us on the march and guard us. (1)

Here where the arrows fall amid the banners both hosts invoke the gods in emulation.

Indra-Varuna, smite back those-our foemen,yea, smite them withyour shaft to every quarter. (2)

Self-lucid in their seats, even heavenly Waters endowed with Godhead Varuna and Indra.

One of these holds the folk distinct and sundered, the Other smites and slays resistless foemen. (3)

Wise be the priest and skilled in Law Eternal, who with his sacred gifts and oration.

Brings you to aid us with your might, Adityas: let him have viands to promote his welfare. (4)

May this my song reach Varuna and Indra, and, strongly urging, win me sons and offspring.

To the gods' banquet may we go with riches. Preserve us evermore, you gods with blessings.

86 - Varuna

WISE, verily, are creatures through his greatness who stayed ever, spacious heaven and earth asunder;

Who urged the high and mighty sky to motion, the Star of old, and spread the earth before him. (1)

With mine own heart I commune on the question how Varuna and I may be united.

What gift of mine will he accept unangered? When may I calmly look and find him gracious? (2)

Fain to know this in in I question others: I seek the wise, Varuna, and ask them.

This one same answer even the sages gave me, "Surely this Varuna is angry with you." (3)

What, Varuna, has been my chief transgression, ihat you wouldst slay the friend who sings your praises?

Tell me, Unconquerable Lord, and quickly sinless will I approach you with mine homage. (4)

Free us from sins committed by our fathers, from those wherein we have ourselves offended.

King, loose, like a thief who feeds the cattle, as from the cord a calf, set free Vasistha. (5)

Not our own will betrayed us, but seduction, thoughtlessness, Varuna wine, dice, or anger.

The old is near to lead astray the younger: even sleep removs not all evil-doing. (6)

Slavelike may I do service to the Bounteous, serve, free from sin, the god inclined to anger.

This gentle Lord gives wisdom to the simple: the wiser God leads on the wise to riches. (7)

Lord, Varuna, may this laudation come close to thed and lie within your spirit.

May it be well with us in rest and labour. Preserve us ever-more, you gods, with blessings.

87 - Varuna

VARUNA cut a pathway out for Surya, and led the watery floods of rivers onward.

The Mares, as in a race, speed on in order. He made great channels for the days to follow. (1)

The wind, your breath, has sounded through the region like a wild beast that seeks his food in pastures.

Within these two, exalted Earth and Heaven, Varuna, are all the forms you love. (2)

Varuna's spies, sent forth upon their errand, survey the two world-halves well formed and fashioned.

Wise are they, holy, skilled in sacrifices, the furtherers of the praise-songs of the prudent. (3)

To me who understand has Varuna spoken, the names borne by the Cow are three times seven.

The sapient God, knowing the place's secret, shall speak as it were to teach the race that comes. (4)

On him three heavens rest and are supported, and the three earths are there in sixfold order.

The wise King Varuna has made in heaven that Golden Swing to cover it with glory. (5)

Like Varuna from heaven he sinks in Sindhu, like a white-shining spark, a strong wild creature.

Ruling in depths and meting out the region, great saving power has he, this world's Controller. (6)

Before this Varuna may we be sinless him who shows mercy even to the sinner-

While we are keeping Aditi's ordinances. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

88 - Varuna

PRESENT to Varuna your hymn, Vasistha, bright, most delightful to the Bounteous Giver,

Who brings on to us the Bull, the lofty, the Holy, laden with a thousand treasures. (1)

And now, as I am come before his presence, I take the face of Varuna for Agni's.

So might he bring-Lord also of the darkness-the light in heaven that I may see its beauty! (2)

When Varuna and I embark together and urge our boat into the midst of ocean,

We, when we ride over ridges of the waters, will swing within that swing and there be happy. (3)

Varuna placed Vasistha in the vessel, and deftly with his niight made him a Rishi.

When days shone bright the Sage made him a singer, while the heavens broadened and the Dawns were lengthened. (4)

What has become of those our ancient friendships, when without enmity we walked together?

I, Varuna, you glorious Lord, have entered your lofty home, your house with thousand portals. (5)

If he, your true ally, has sinned against you, still, Varuna, he is the friend you loved.

Let us not, Living One, as sinners I know you: give shelter, as a Sage, to him who lauds you. (6)

While we abide in these fixed habitations, and from the lap of Aditi win favour,

May Varuna untie the bond that binds us. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

89 - Varuna

Let me not yet, King Varuna, enter into the house of clay:

Have mercy, spare me, Mighty Lord. (1)

When, Thunderer! I move along tremulous like a wind-blown skin,

Have mercy, spare me, Mighty Lord. (2)

Bright and Powerful God, through want of strength I erred and went astray

Have mercy, spare me, Mighty Lord. (3)

Thirst found your worshipper though he stood in the midst of water-fijods:

Have mercy, spare me, Mighty Lord. (4)

Varuna, whatever the offence may be which we as men commit against the heavenly host,

When through our want of thought we violate your laws, punish us not, God, for that iniquity.

90 - Vayu

To you pure juice, rich in meath, are offered by priest: through longing for the Pair of heroes.

Drive, Vayu, bring your harnessed horses here: drink the pressed Soma till it make you joyful. (1)

Whoso to you, the Mighty, brings oblation, pure Soma to you, pure-drinking Vayu,

That man you make famous among mortals: to him strong sons are born in quick succession. (2)

The god whom both these worlds brought forth for riches, whom heavenly Dhisana for our wealth appointeth,

His team of harnessed horses waits on Vayu, and, foremost, on the radiant Treasure-bearer. (3)

The spotless Dawns with fair bright days have broken; they found the spacious light when they were shining.

Eagerly they disclosed the stall of cattle: floods streamed for them as in the days aforetime. (4)

These with their truthful spirit, shining brightly, move on provided with their natural insight.

Viands attend the car that bears heroes, your car, you Sovran Pair, Indra and Vayu. (5)

May these who give us heavenly light, these rulers, with gifts of cows and horses, gold and treasures.

These princes, through full life, Indra and Vayu! overcome in battle with their steeds and heroes. (6)

Like coursers seeking fame will we Vasisthas, Indra-Vayu, with our fair laudations.

Exerting all our power call you to aid us. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

91 - Vayu

Were not in sooth, the gods aforetime blameless, whose pleasure was increased by adoration?

For Vayu and for man in his affliction they caused the Morning to arise with Surya. (1)

Guardians infallible, eager as envoys' preserve us safe through many months and autumns.

Addressed to you, our fair praise, Indra-Vayu, implores your favour and renewed well-being. (2)

Wise, bright, arranger of his teams, he. seeks men with rich food whose treasures are abundant.

They have arranged them of one mind with Vayu: the men have wrought all noble operations. (3)

So far as native power and strength permit you, so far as men behold whose eyes have vision,

You pure-drinkers, drink with us pure Soma: sit on this sacred grass, Indra and Vayu. (4)

Driving down teams that bear the lovely heroes, hereward, Indra-Vayu, come together.

To you this prime of savoury juice is offered: here loose your horses and be friendly-minded. (5)

Your hundred and your thousand teams, Indra and Vayu, all-munificent, which attend you,

With these most gracious-minded come here, and drink, heroes of the meath we offer. (6)

Like coursers seeking fame will we Vasisthas, Indra-Vayu, with our fair laudations,

Exerting all our powe-,, call you to aid us. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

92 - Vayu

VAYU, drinker of the pure, be near us: a thousand teams are your, Allbounteous Giver.

To you the rapture-bringing juice is offered, whose first draught, God, you takest as your portion. (1)

Prompt at the holy rites forth came the presser with Soma-draughts for Indra and for Vayu,

When ministering priests with strong devotion bring to you two the first taste of the soma. (2)

The teams wherewith you seek him who offers, within his home, Viyu, to direct him,

Therewith send wealth: to us with full enjoyment, a hero son and gifts of cows and horses. (3)

Near to the gods and making Indra joyful, devout and ofFering precious gifts to Vayu,

Allied with princes, smiting down the hostile, may we with heroes conquer foes in battle. (4)

With your yoked teams in hundreds and in thousands come to our sacrifice and solemn worship.

Come, Vayu, make you glad at this libation. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

93 - Indra-Agni

SLAYERS of enemies, Indra and Agni, accept this day our new-born pure laudation.

Again, again I call you prompt to listen, best to give quickly strength to him who craves it. (1)

For you were strong to gain, exceeding mighty, growing together, waxing in your vigour.

lords of the pasture filled with ample riches, bestow upon us strength both fresh and lasting. (2)

Yea when the strong have entered our assembly, and singers seeking with their hymns your favour,

They are like steeds who come into the race-course, those men who call aloud on Indra-Agni. (3)

The singer, seeking with his hymns your favour, begs splendid riches of their first possessor.

Further us with new bounties, Indra-Agni, armed with strong thunder, slayers of the foeman. (4)

When two great hosts, arrayed against each other, meet clothed with brightness, in the fierce encounter

Stand you beside the godly, smite the godless; and still assist the men who press the soma. (5)

To this our Soma-pressing, Indra-Agni, come prepared to show your loving-kindness,

For not at any time have you despised us. So may I draw you with all strengthenings here. (6)

So Agni, kindled mid this adoration, invite you Mitra, Varuna, and Indra.

Forgive whatever sin we have committed may Aryaman and Aditi remove it. (7)

While we accelerate these our sacrifices, may we win strength from both of you, Agni:

Never may the Maruts, Indra, Vishnu slight us. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

94 - Indra-Agni

As rain from out the cloud, for you, Indra and Agni, from my soul

This noblest praise has been produced. (1)

Do you, Indra-Agni, hear the singer's call: accept his songs.

You Rulers, grant his heart's desire. (2)

Give us not up to poverty, you heroes, Indra-Agni, nor

To slander and reproach of men. (3)

To Indra and to Agni we bring reverence, high and holy hymn,

And, craving help, softwords with prayer. (4)

For all these holy singers here implore these two to succour them,

And priests that they may win them strength. (5)

Eager to laudyou, we with songs invoke you, bearing sacred food,

Fain for success in sacrifice. (6)

Indra and Agni, come to us with favour, you who conquer men:

Let not the wicked master us. (7)

At no time let the injurious blow of hostile mortal fall on us:

Indra-Agni, shelter us. (8)

Whatever wealth we crave of you, in gold, in cattle, or in steeds,

That, Indra-Agni, let us gain; (9)

When heroes prompt in worship call Indra and Agni, lords of steeds,

Beside the soma juice effused. (10)

Call here with the song and lauds those who best slay the foemen, those

Who take delight in hymns of praise. (11)

Slay you the wicked man whose thought is evil of the demon kind.

Slay him who stays the waters, slay the Serpent with your deadly dart.

95 - Sarasvati

This stream Sarasvati with fostering current comes forth, our sure defence, our fort of iron.

As on a car, the flood flows on, surpassing in majesty and might all other waters. (1)

Pure in her course from mountains to the ocean, alone of streams Sarasvati has listened.

Thinking of wealth and the great world of creatures, she poured for Nahusa her milk and fatness. (2)

Friendly to man he grew among the women, a strong young Steer amid the Holy Ladies.

He gives the fleet steed to our wealthy princes, and decks their bodies for success in battle. (3)

May this Sarasvati be pleased and listen at this our sacrifice, auspicious Lady,

When we with reverence, on our knees, implore her close-knit to wealth, most kind to those she loves. (4)

These offerings have you made with adoration: say this, Sarasvati, and accept our praises;

And, placing us under your dear protection, may we approach you, as a tree, for shelter. (5)

For you, Blest Sarasvati, Vasistha has here unbarred the doors d sacred Order.

Wax, Bright One, and give strength to him who lauds you. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

96 - Sarasvati

I SING a lofty song, for she is mightiest, most divine of Streams.

Sarasvati will I exalt with hymns and lauds, and, Vasistha, Heaven and Earth. (1)

When in the fulness of their strength the Purus dwell, Beauteous One, on your two grassy banks,

Favour us you who have the Maruts for your friends: stir up the bounty of our chiefs. (2)

So may Sarasvati auspicious send good luck; she, rich in spoil, is never niggardly in thought,

When praised in jamadagni's way and lauded as Vasistha lauds. (3)

We call upon Sarasvan, as unmarried men who long for wives,

As liberal men who yearn for sons. (4)

Be our kind protector, Sarasvan, with those waves of yours

Laden with sweets and dropping oil. (5)

May we enjoy Sarasvan's breast, all-beautiful, that swells with streams,

May we gain food and progeny.

97 - Brihaspati

WHere Heaven and Earth combine in men's assembly, and ttose who love the gods delight in worship,

Where the libations are effused for Indra, may he come first to drink and make him stronger. (1)

We crave the heavenly grace of gods to guard us-so may Brihaspati, friends, exalt us-

That he, the Bounteous God, may find us sintess, who givs from a distance like a father. (2)

That Brahmanaspati, most High and Gracious, I glorify with offerings and with homage.

May the great song of praise divine, reach Indra who is the King of prayer the gods' creation. (3)

May that Brihaspati who brings all blessings, most dearly loved, be seated by our altar.

Heroes and wealth we crave; may he bestow them, and bear us safe beyond the men who vex us. (4)

To us these Deathless Ones, erst born, have granted this laud of ours which gives the immortal pleasure.

Let us invoke Brihaspati, the foeless, the clear-voiced God, the Holy One of households (5)

Him, this Brihaspati, his red-hued horses, drawing together, full of strength, bring here.

Robed in red colour like the cloud, they carry the Lord of Might whose friendship gives a dwelling. (6)

For he is pure, with hundred wings, refulgent, with sword of gold, impetuous, winning sunlight.

Sublime Brihaspati, easy of access grants his friends most bountiful refreshment. (7)

Both Heaven and Earth, divine, the deity's Parents, have made Brihaspati increase in grandeur.

Glorify him, friends, who merits glory: may he give prayer fair way and easy passage. (8)

This, Brahmanaspati, is your laudation prayer has been made to thunderwielding Indra.

Favour our songs, wake up our thought and spirit: destroy the godless and our foemen's malice. (9)

You two are lords of wealth in earth and heaven, you, Brihaspati, and you, Indra.

Mean though he be, give wealth to him who lauds you. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

98 - Indra

Priests, offer to the Lord of all the people the milked-out stalk of soma, radiant-coloured.

No wild-bull knows his drinking-place like Indra who ever seeks him who has pressed the soma, (1)

You do desire to drink, each day that passes, the pleasant food which you have had aforetime,

Indra, gratified in heart and spirit, drink eagerly the soma set before you. (2)

You, newly-born, for strength did drink the soma; the Mother told you of your future greatness.

Indra, you have filled mid-air's wide region, and given the gods by battle room and freedom. (3)

When you have urged the arrocrant to combat, proud in their strength of arm, we will subdue them.

Or, Indra, when you fightest girt by heroes, we in the glorious fray with you will conquer. (4)

I will declare the earliest deeds of Indra, and recent acts which Maghavan has accomplished.

When he had conquered godless wiles and magic, Soma became his own entire possession. (5)

Your is this world of flocks and herds around you, which with the eye of Surya you beholdest.

You, Indra, are alone the Lord of cattle; may we enjoy the treasure which you give. (6)

You two are lords of wealth in earth and heaven, you, Brihaspati, and you, Indra.

Mean though he be, give wealth to him who lauds you. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

99 - Vishnu

Men come not nigh your majesty who grow beyond all bound and measure with your body.

Both your two regions of the earth, Vishnu, we know: you God, know the highest also. (1)

None who is born or being born, God Vishnu, has reached the utmost limit of your grandeur.

The vast high vault of heaven have you supported, and fixed earth's eastern pinnacle securely. (2)

Rich in sweet food be you, and rich in milk-cows, with fertile pastures, fain to do men service.

Both these worlds, Vishnu, have you stayed asunder, and firmly fixed the earth with pegs around it. (3)

You have made spacious room for sacrificing by generating Surya, Dawn, and Agni.

Heroes, you have conquered in your battles even the bull-jawed Dasa's wiles and magic. (4)

You have destroyed, you, Indra, and you Vishnu, Sambara's nine-and-ninety fenced castles.

You two smote down a hundred times a thousand resistless heroes of the royal Varcin. (5)

This is the lofty hymn of praise, exalting the lords of Mighty Stride, the strong and lofty.

I laud you in the solemn synods, Vishnu: pour you food on us in our camps, Indra. (6)

Vishnu, to you my lips cry Vasat! Let this mine offering, Sipivista, please you.

May these my songs of eulogy exalt you. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

100 - Vishnu

NEVER doth the man repent, who, seeking profit, brings his gift to the far-striding Vishnu.

He who adors him with all his spirit winns himself so great a benefactor. (1)

You, Vishnu, constant in your courses, gave good-will to all men, and a hymn that lasteth,

That you mightst move us to abundant comfort of very splendid wealth with store of horses. (2)

Three times strode forth this God in all his grandeur over this earth bright with a hundred splendours.

Foremost be Vishnu, stronger than the strongest: for glorious is his name who lives for ever. (3)

Over this earth with mighty step strode Vishnu, ready to give it for a home to Manu.

In him the humble people trust for safety: he, nobly born, has made them spacious dwellings. (4)

Today I laud this name, gipivista, I, skilled in rules, the name of you the Noble.

Yea, I the poor and weak praise you the Mighty who dwellest in the realm beyond this region. (5)

What was there to be blamed in you, Vishnu, when you declaredst, I am Sipivista?

Hide not this form from us, nor keep it secret, since you did wear another shape in battle. (6)

Vishnu, to you my lips cry Vasat! Let this mine offering, Sipivista, please you.

May these my songs of eulogy exalt you. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

101 - Parjanya

SPEAK forth three words, the words which light precedeth, which milk this udder that producs nectar.

Quickly made manifest, the Bull has bellowed, engendering the germ of plants, the Infant. (1)

Giver of growth to plants, the god who ruls over the waters and all moving creatures,

Vouchsafe us triple shelter for our refuge, and threefold light to succour and befriend us. (2)

Now he is sterile, now begetts offspring, even as he wills doth he change his figure.

The Father's genial flow bedews the Mother; therewith the Sire, therewith the son is nourished. (3)

In him all living creatures have their being, and the three heavens with triplyflowing waters.

Three reservoirs that sprinkle down their treasure shed their sweet streams around him with a murmur. (4)

May this my song to Sovran Lord Parjanya come near to his heart and give him pleasure.

May we obtain the showers that bring enjoyment, and God-protected plants with goodly fruitage. (5)

He is the Bull of all, and their impregner lie holds the life of all things fixed and moving.

May this rite save me till my hundredth autumn. Preserve us evermore, you gods, with blessings.

102 - Parjanya

SING forth and laud Parjanya, son of Heaven, who sends the gift of rain

May he provide our pasturage. (1)

Parjanya is the god who forms in cows, in mares, in plants of earth,

And womankind, the germ of life. (2)

Offer and pour into his mouth oblation rich in savoury juice:

May he forever give us food.

103 - Frogs

THEY who lay quiet for a year, the Brahmans who fulfil their vows,

The Frogs have lifted up their voice, the voice Parjanya has inspired. (1)

What time on these, as on a dry skin lying in the pool's bed, the floods of heaven descended,

The music of the Frogs comes forth in concert like the cows lowing with their calves beside them. (2)

When at the coming of the Rains the water has poured upon them as they yearned and thirsted,

One seeks another as he talks and greets him with cries of pleasure as a son his father. (3)

Each of these twain receives the other kindly, while they are revelling in the flow of waters,

When the Frog moistened by the rain springs forward, and Green and Spotty both combine their voices. (4)

When one of these repeats the other's language, as he who learns the lesson of the teacher,

Your every limb seems to be growing larger as you converse with eloquence on the waters. (5)

Onc is Cow-bellow and Goat-bleat the other, one Frog is Green and one of them is Spotty.

They bear one common name, and yet they vary, and, talking, modulate the voice diversely. (6)

As Brahmans, sitting round the brimful vessel, talk at the soma-rite of Atiratra,

So, Frogs, you gather round the pool to honour this day of all the year, the first of Rain-time. (7)

These Brahmans with the soma juice, performing their year-long rite, have lifted up their voices;

And these Adhvaryus, sweating with their kettles, come forth and show themselves, and none are hidden. (8)

They keep the twelve month's God-appointed order, and never do the men neglect the season.

Soon as the Rain-time in the year returneth, these who were heated kettles gain their freedom. (9)

Cow-bellow and Goat-bleat have granted riches, and Green and Spotty have vouchsafed us treasure.

The Frogs who give us cows in hundreds lengthen our lives in this most fertilizing season.

104 - Indra-Soma

Indra and Soma, burn, destroy the demon foe, send downward, you Bulls, those who add gloom to gloom.

Annihilate the fools, slay them and burn them up: chase them away from us, pierce the voracious ones. (1)

Indra and Soma, let sin round the wicked boil like as a caldron set amid the flames of fire.

Against the foe of prayer, devourer of raw flesh, the vile fiend fierce of eye, keep you perpetual hate. (2)

Indra and Soma, plunge the wicked in the depth, yea, cast them into darkness that has no support,

So that not one of them may ever thence return: so may your wrathful might prevail and conquer them. (3)

Indra and Soma, hurl your deadly crushing bolt down on the wicked fiend from heaven and from the earth.

Yea, forge out of the mountains your celestial dart wherewith you burn to death the waxing demon race. (4)

Indra and Soma, cast you downward out of heaven your deadly darts of stone burning with fiery flame,

Eternal, scorching darts; plunge the voracious ones within the depth, and let them sink without a sound. (5)

Indra and Soma, let this hymn control you both, even as the girth encompasses two vigorous steeds-

The song of praise which I with wisdom offer you: do you, as lords of men, animate these my prayers. (6)

In your impetuous manner think you both thereon: destroy these evil beings, slay the treacherous fiends.

Indra and Soma, let the wicked have no bliss who evermore assails us with malignity. (7)

Whoso accuses me with words of falsehood when I pursue my way with guileless spirit,

May he, the speaker of untruth, be, Indra, like water which the hollowed hand compresses. (8)

Those who destroy, as is their wont, the simple, and with their evil natures barm the righteous,

May Soma give them over to the serpent, or to the lap of Nirrti consign them. (9)

The fiend, Agni, who designs to injure the essence of our food, cows, steeds, or bodies,

May he, the adversary, thief, and robber, sink to destruction, both himself and offspring. (10)

May he be swept away, himself and children: may all the three earths press him down beneath them.

May his fair glory, you gods, be blighted, who in the day or night would fain destroy us. (11)

The prudent finds it easy to distinguish the true and false: their words oppose each other.

Of these two that which is the true and honest, Soma protects, and brings the false to nothing. (12)

Never doth Soma aid and guide the wicked or him who falsely claims the Warrior's title.

He slays the fiend and him who speaks untruly: both lie entangled in the noose of Indra. (13)

As if I worshipped deities of falsehood, or thought vain thoughts about the gods, Agni.

Why are you angry with us, Jatavedas? Destruction fall on those who lie against you! (14)

So may I die this day if I have harassed any man's life or if I be a demon.

Yea, may he lose all his ten sons together who with false tongue has called me Yatudhana. (15)

May Indra slay him with a mi weapon, and let the vilest ofghty

all creatures perish,

The fiend who says that he is pure, who calls me a demon though devoid of demon nature. (16)

She too who wanders like an owl at night-time, hiding her body in her guile and malice,

May she fall downward into endless caverns. May press-stones with loud ring destroy the demons. (17)

Spread out, you Maruts, search among the people: seize you and grind the Raksasas to pieces,

Who fly abroad, transformed to birds, at night-time, or sully and pollute our holy worship. (18)

Hurl down from heaven your bolt of stone, Indra: sharpen it, Maghavan, made keen by Soma.

Forward, behind, and from above and under, smite down the demons with your rocky weapon. (19)

They fly, the demon dogs, and, bent on mischief, fain would they harm indomitable Indra.

Sakra makes sharp his weapon for the wicked: now, let him cast his bolt at fiendish wizards. (20)

Indra has ever been the fiends' destroyer who spoil oblations of the gods' invokers:

Yea, Sakra, like an axe that spilts the timber, attacks and smashes them like earthen vessels. (21)

Destroy the fiend shaped like an owl or owlet, destroy him in the form of dog or cuckoo.

Destroy him shaped as eagle or as vulture as with a stone, Indra, crush the demon. (22)

Let not the fiend of witchcraft-workers reach us: may Dawn drive off the couples of Kimidins.

Earth keep us safe from earthly woe and trouble: from grief that comes from heaven mid-air preserve us. (23)

Slay the male demon, Indra! slay the female, joying and triumphing in arts of magic.

Let the fools' gods with bent necks fall and perish, and see no more the Sun when he arises. (24)

Look each one here, look around Indra and Soma, watch you well.

Cast forth your weapon at the fiends. Aagainst the sorcerers hurt your bolt.