1 HIGH hath the Mighty risen before the dawning, and come to us with light from out the darkness. Fair-shapen Agni with white-shining splendour hath filled at birth all human habitations.
2 Thou, being born, art Child of Earth and Heaven, parted among the plants in beauty, Agni! The glooms of night thou, Brilliant Babe, subduest, and art come forth, loud roaring, from thy Mothers.
3 Here, being manifested, lofty Viṣṇu, full wise, protects his own supremest station. When they have offered in his mouth their sweet milk, to him with one accord they sing forth praises.
4 Thence bearing food the Mothers come to meet thee, with food for thee who givest food its increase. These in their altered form again thou meetest. Thou art Invoking Priest in homes of mortals.
5 Priest of the holy rite, with car that glitters, refulgent Banner of each act of worship, Sharinging every God through might and glory, even Agni Guest of men I summon hither.
sá tú vástrāṇi ádha péśanāni vásāno agnír nā́bhā pr̥thivyā́ḥ | aruṣó jātáḥ padá íḷāyāḥ puróhito rājan yakṣīhá devā́n ||
6 So Agni stands on earth's most central station, invested in well-decorated garments. Born, red of hue, where men pour out libations, O King, as great High Priest bring the Gods hither.
7 Over the earth and over heaven, O Agni, thou, Son, hast ever spread above thy Parents. Come, Youthfullest! to those who long to meet thee, and hither bring the Gods, O Mighty Victor.
1 GLADDEN the yearning Gods, O thou Most Youthful: bring them, O Lord of Seasons, knowing seasons, With all the Priests Celestial, O Agni. Best worshipper art thou of all Invokers.
2 Thine is the Herald's, thine the Cleanser's office, thinker art thou, wealth-giver, true to Order. Let us with Svāhā offer up oblations, and Agni, worthy God, pay the Gods worship.
ā́ devā́nām ápi pánthām aganma yác chaknávāma tád ánu právoḷhum | agnír vidvā́n sá yajāt séd u hótā só adhvarā́n sá r̥tū́n kalpayāti ||
3 To the Gods’ pathway have we travelled, ready to execute what work we may accomplish. Let Agni, for he knows, complete the worship. He is the Priest: let him fix rites and seasons.
4 When we most ignorant neglect the statutes of you, O Deities with whom is knowledge, Wise Agni shall correct our faults and failings, skilled to assign each God his fitting season.
5 When, weak in mind, of feeble understanding, mortals bethink them not of sacrificing, Then shall the prudent and discerning Agni worship the Gods, best worshipper, in season.
6 Because the Father hath produced thee, Leader of all our solemn rites, their brilliant Banner: So win by worship pleasant homes abounding in heroes, and rich food to nourish all men.
7 Thou whom the Heaven and Earth, thou whom the Waters, and Tvaṣṭar, maker of fair things, created, Well knowing, all along the Fathers' pathway, shine with resplendent light, enkindled, Agni.
1 O KING, the potent and terrific envoy, kindled for strength, is manifest in beauty. He shines, all-knowing, with his lotty splendour: chasing black Night he comes with white-rayed Morning.
2 Having o’ercome the glimmering Black with beauty, and bringing forth the dame the Great Sire's Daughter, Holding aloft the radiant light of Sūrya, as messenger of heaven he shines with treasures.
3 Attendant on the Blessed Dame the Blessed hath come: the Lover followeth his Sister. Agni, far-spreading with conspicuous lustre, hath compassed Night with whitelyshining garments.
4 His goings-forth kindle as ’twere high voices the goings of the auspicious Friend of Agni. The rays, the bright beams of the strong-jawed, mighty, adorable Steer are visible as he cometh.
5 Whose radiant splendours flow, like sounds, about us, his who is lofty, brilliant, and effulgent, Who reaches heaven with best and brightest lustres, sportive and piercing even to the summit.
6 His powers, whose chariot fellies gleam and glitter have loudly roared while, as with teams, he hasted. He, the most Godlike, far-extending envoy, shines with flames ancient, resonant, whitely-shining.
sá ā́ vakṣi máhi na ā́ ca satsi diváspr̥thivyór aratír yuvatyóḥ | agníḥ sutúkaḥ sutúkebhir áśvai rábhasvadbhī rábhasvām̐ éhá gamyāḥ ||
7 So bring us ample wealth: seat thee as envoy of the two youthful Matrons, Earth and Heaven. Let Agni rapid with his rapid, horses, impetuous with impetuous Steeds, come hither.
10,4 Agni
10.IV Agni
prá te yakṣi prá ta iyarmi mánma bhúvo yáthā vándiyo no háveṣu | dhánvann iva prapā́ asi tvám agna iyakṣáve pūráve pratna rājan ||
1 To thee will send praise and bring oblation, as thou hast merited lauds when we invoked thee. A fountain in the desert art thou, Agni, O Ancient King, to man who fain would worship,
2 Thou unto whom resort the gathered people, as the kine seek the warm stall, O Most Youthful. Thou art the messenger of Gods and mortals, and goest glorious with thy light between them.
3 Making thee grow as ’twere some noble infant, thy Mother nurtures thee with sweet affection. Over the desert slopes thou passest longing, and seekest, like some beast set free, thy fodder.
4 Foolish are we, O Wise and free from error: verily, Agni, thou dost know thy grandeur. There lies the form: he moves and licks, and swallows, and, as House-Lord, kisses the Youthful Maiden.
kū́cij jāyate sánayāsu návyo váne tasthau palitó dhūmáketuḥ | asnātā́po vr̥ṣabhó ná prá veti sácetaso yám praṇáyanta mártāḥ ||
5 He rises ever fresh in ancient fuel: smoke-bannered, gray, he makes the wood his dwelling. No swimmer, Steer, he presses through the waters, and to his place accordant mortals bear him.
tanūtyájeva táskarā vanargū́ raśanā́bhir daśábhir abhy àdhītām | iyáṃ te agne návyasī manīṣā́ yukṣvā́ ráthaṃ ná śucáyadbhir áṅgaiḥ ||
6 Like thieves who risk their lives and haunt the forest, the twain with their ten girdles have secured him. This is a new hymn meant for thee, O Agni: yoke as it were thy car with parts that glitter.
bráhma ca te jātavedo námaś ca iyáṃ ca gī́ḥ sádam íd várdhanī bhūt | rákṣā ṇo agne tánayāni tokā́ rákṣotá nas tanúvo áprayuchan ||
7 Homage and prayer are thine, O Jātavedas, and this my song shall evermore exalt thee. Agni, protect our children and descendants, and guard with ever-watcliful care our bodies.
1 HE only is the Sea, holder of treasures: born many a time he views the hearts within us. He hides him in the secret couple's bosom. The Bird dwells in the middle of the fountain.
2 Inhabiting one dwelling-place in common, strong Stallions and the Mares have come together. The sages guard the seat of Holy Order, and keep the highest names concealed within them.
3 The Holy Pair, of wondrous power, have coupled: they formed the Infant, they who bred produced him. The central point of all that moves and moves not, the while they wove the Sage's thread with insight
4 For tracks of Order and refreshing viands attend from ancient times the goodly Infant. Wearing him as a mantle, Earth and Heaven grow strong by food of pleasant drink and fatness.
5 He, calling loudly to the Seven red Sisters, hath, skilled in sweet drink, brought them to be looked on. He, born of old, in middle air hath halted, and sought and found the covering robe of Pūṣan.
6 Seven are the pathways which the wise have fashioned; to one of these may come the troubled mortal. He standeth in the dwelling of the Highest, a Pillar, on sure ground where paths are parted.
ásac ca sác ca paramé víoman dákṣasya jánmann áditer upásthe | agnír ha naḥ prathamajā́ r̥tásya pū́rva ā́yuni vr̥ṣabháś ca dhenúḥ ||
7 Not Being, Being in the highest heaven, in Aditi's bosom and in Dakṣa's birthplace, Is Agni, our first-born of Holy Order, the Milch-cow and the Bull in life's beginning.
1 THIS is that Agni, he by whose protection, favour, and help. the singer is successful; Who with the noblest flames of glowing fuel comes forth encompassed with far-spreading lustre.
2 Agni, the Holy One, the everlasting, who shines far beaming with celestial splendours; He who hath come unto his friends with friendship, like a fleet steed who never trips or stumbles.
3 He who is Lord of all divine oblation, shared by all living men at break of morning, Agni to whom our offerings are devoted, in whom rests he whose car, through might, is scatheless.
4 Increasing by his strength. while lauds content him, with easy flight unto the Gods he travels. Agni the cheerful Priest, best Sacrificer, balms with his tongue the Gods with whom he mingles.
5 With songs and adorations bring ye hither Agni who stirs himself at dawn like Indra, Whom sages laud with hymns as Jātavedas of those who wield the sacrificial ladle.
6 In whom all goodly treasures meet together, even as steeds and riders for the booty. Inclining hither bring us help, O Agni, even assistance most desired by Indra.
7 Yea, at thy birth, when thou hadst sat in glory, thou, Agni, wast the aim of invocations. The Gods came near, obedient to thy sunimons, and thus attained their rank as chief Protectors.
10,7 Agni
10.VII Agni
suastí no divó agne pr̥thivyā́ viśvā́yur dhehi yajáthāya deva | sácemahi táva dasma praketaír uruṣyā́ ṇa urúbhir deva śáṃsaiḥ ||
1 O AGNI, shared by all men living bring us good luck for sacrifice from earth and heaven. With us be thine intelligence, Wonder Worker! Protect us, God, with thy far-reaching blessings.
2 These hymns brought forth for thee, O Agni, laud thee for bounteous gifts, with cattle and with horses. Good Lord, when man from thee hath gained enjoyment, by hymns, O noblyborn, hath he obtained it.
3 Agni I deem my Kinsman and my Father, count him my Brother and my Friend for ever. I honour as the face of lofty Agni in heaven the bright and holy light of Sūrya.
4 Effectual, Agni, are our prayers for profit. He whom, at home thou, Priest for ever, guardest Is rich in food, drawn by red steeds, and holy: by day and night to him shall all be pleasant.
5 Men with their arms have generated Agni, helpful as some kind friend, adorned with splendours, And stablished as Invoker mid the people the ancient Priest the sacrifice's lover.
svayáṃ yajasva diví deva devā́n kíṃ te pā́kaḥ kr̥ṇavad ápracetāḥ | yáthā́yaja r̥túbhir deva devā́n evā́ yajasva tanúvaṃ sujāta ||
6 Worship, thyself, O God, the Gods in heaven: what, void of knowledge, shall the fool avail thee? As thou, O God, hast worshipped Gods by seasons, so, nobly-born! to thine own self pay worship.
bhávā no agne avitótá gopā́ bhávā vayaskŕ̥d utá no vayodhā́ḥ | rā́svā ca naḥ sumaho havyádātiṃ trā́svotá nas tanúvo áprayuchan ||
7 Agni, be thou our Guardian and Protector bestow upon us life and vital vigour. Accept, O Mighty One, the gifts we offer, and with unceasing care protect our bodies.
1 AGNI advances with his lofty banner: the Bull is bellowing to the earth and heavens. He hath attained the sky's supremest limits. the Steer hath waxen in the lap of waters.
2 The Bull, the youngling with the hump, hath frolicked, the strong and never-ceasing Calf hath bellowed. Bringing our offerings to the God's assembly, he moves as Chief in his own dwelling-places.
3 Him who hath grasped his Parents' head, they stablished at sacrifice a wave of heavenly lustre. In his swift flight the red Dawns borne by horses refresh their bodies in the home of Order.
4 For, Vasu thou precedest every Morning, and still hast been the Twins' illuminator. For sacrifice, seven places thou retainest while for thine own self thou engenderest Mitra.
5 Thou art the Eye and Guard of mighty Order, and Varuṇa when to sacrifice thou comest. Thou art the Waters’ Child O Jātavedas, envoy of him whose offering thou acceptest.
6 Thou art the Leader of the rite and region, to which with thine auspicious teams thou teadest, Thy light-bestowing head to heaven thou liftest, making thy tongue the oblationbearer, Agni.
7 Through his wise insight Trita in the cavern, seeking as ever the Chief Sire's intention, Carefully tended in his Parents' bosom, calling the weapons kin, goes forth to combat.
8 Well-skilled to use the weapons of his Father, Āptya, urged on by Indra, fought the battle. Then Trita slew the foe seven-rayed, three-headed, and freed the cattle of the Son of Tvaṣṭar.
9 Lord of the brave, Indra cleft him in pieces who sought to gain much strength and deemed him mighty. He smote his three heads from his body, seizing the cattle of the oniniform Son of Tvaṣṭar.
1 FAIN would I win my friend to kindly friendship. So may the Sage, come through the air's wide ocean, Remembering the earth and days to follow, obtain a son, the issue of his father.
2 Thy friend loves not the friendship which considers her who is near in kindred as stranger. Sons of the mighty Asura, the Heroes, supporters of the heavens, see far around them.
uśánti ghā té amŕ̥tāsa etád ékasya cit tyajásam mártiyasya | ní te máno mánasi dhāyi asmé jányuḥ pátis tanúvam ā́ viviśyāḥ ||
3 Yea, this the Immortals seek of thee with longing, progeny of the sole existing mortal. Then let thy soul and mine be knit together, and as a loving husband take thy consort.
ná yát purā́ cakr̥mā́ kád dha nūnám r̥tā́ vádanto ánr̥taṃ rapema | gandharvó apsú ápiyā ca yóṣā sā́ no nā́bhiḥ paramáṃ jāmí tán nau ||
4 Shall we do now what we ne’er did aforetime? we who spake righteously now talk impurely? Gandharva in the floods, the Dame of Waters-such is our bond, such our most lofty kinship.
gárbhe nú nau janitā́ dámpatī kar devás tváṣṭā savitā́ viśvárūpaḥ | nákir asya prá minanti vratā́ni véda nāv asyá pr̥thivī́ utá dyaúḥ ||
5 Even in the womb God Tvaṣṭar, Vivifier, shaping all forms, Creator, made us consorts. None violates his holy ordinances: that we are his the heavens and earth acknowledge.
kó asyá veda prathamásya áhnaḥ ká īṃ dadarśa ká ihá prá vocat | br̥hán mitrásya váruṇasya dhā́ma kád u brava āhano vī́ciyā nr̥̄́n ||
6 Who knows that earliest day whereof thou speakest? Who hatb beheld it? Who can here declare it? Great is the Law of Varuṇa and Mitra. What, wanton! wilt thou say to men to tempt them?
7 I, Yami, am possessed by love of Yama, that I may rest on the same couch beside him. I as a wife would yield me to my husband. Like car-wheels let us speed to meet each other.
ná tiṣṭhanti ná ní miṣanti eté devā́nāṃ spáśa ihá yé cáranti | anyéna mád āhano yāhi tū́yaṃ téna ví vr̥ha ráthiyeva cakrā́ ||
8 They stand not still, they never close their eyelids, those sentinels of Gods who wander round us. Not me-go quickly, wanton, with another, and hasten like a chariot wheel to meet him.
9 May Sūrya's eye with days and nights endow him, and ever may his light spread out before him. In heaven and earth the kindred Pair commingle. On Yam! be the unbrotherly act of Yama.
10 Sure there will come succeeding times when brothers and sisters will do acts unmeet for kinsfolk. Not me, O fair one, —seek another husband, and make thine arm a pillow for thy consort.
kím bhrā́tāsad yád anāthám bhávāti kím u svásā yán nírr̥tir nigáchāt | kā́mamūtā bahú etád rapāmi tanúvā me tanúvaṃ sám pipr̥gdhi ||
11 Is he a brother when no lord is left her? Is she a sister when Destruction cometh? Forced by my love these many words I utter. Come near, and hold me in thy close embraces.
ná vā́ u te tanúvā tanúvaṃ sám papr̥cyām pāpám āhur yáḥ svásāraṃ nigáchāt | anyéna mát pramúdaḥ kalpayasva ná te bhrā́tā subhage vaṣṭi etát ||
12 I will not fold mine arms about thy body: they call it sin when one comes near his sister. Not me, —prepare thy pleasures with another: thy brother seeks not this from thee, O fair one.
13 Alas! thou art indeed a weakling, Yama we find in thee no trace of heart or spirit. As round the tree the woodbine clings, another will cling albout thee girt as with a girdle.
14 Embrace another, Yami; let another, even as the woodbine rings the tree, enfold thee. Win thou his heart and let him win thy fancy, and he shall form with thee a blest alliance.
10,11 Agni
10.XI Agni
vŕ̥ṣā vŕ̥ṣṇe duduhe dóhasā diváḥ páyāṃsi yahvó áditer ádābhiyaḥ | víśvaṃ sá veda váruṇo yáthā dhiyā́ sá yajñíyo yajatu yajñíyām̐ r̥tū́n ||
1 THE Bull hath yielded for the Bull the milk of heaven: the Son of Aditi can never be deceived. According to his wisdom Varuṇa knoweth all: may he, the Holy, hallow times for sacrifice.
rápad gandharvī́r ápiyā ca yóṣaṇā nadásya nādé pári pātu me mánaḥ | iṣṭásya mádhye áditir ní dhātu no bhrā́tā no jyeṣṭháḥ prathamó ví vocati ||
2 Gandharvi spake: may she, the Lady of the flood, amid the river's roaring leave my heart untouched. May Aditi accomplish all that we desire, and may our eldest Brother tell us this as Chief.
3 Yea, even this blessed Morning, rich in store of food, splendid, with heavenly lustre, hath shone out for man, Since they, as was the wish of yearning Gods, brought forth that yearning Agni for the assembly as the Priest.
4 And the fleet Falcon brought for sacrifice from afar this flowing Drop most excellent and keen of sight, Then when the Āryan tribes chose as Invoking Priest Agni the Wonder-Worker, and the hymn rose up.
5 Still art thou kind to him who feeds thee as with grass, and, skilled in sacrifice, offers thee holy gifts. When thou, having received the sage's strengthening food with lauds, after long toil, cornest with many more.
6 Urge thou thy Parents, as a lover ' to delight: the Lovely One desires and craves it from his heart. The priest calls out, the sacrificer shows his skill, the Asura tries his strength, and with the hymn is stirred.
yás te agne sumatím márto ákṣat sáhasaḥ sūno áti sá prá śr̥ṇve | íṣaṃ dádhāno váhamāno áśvair ā́ sá dyumā́m̐ ámavān bhūṣati dyū́n ||
7 Far-famed is he, the mortal man, O Agni, thou Son of Strength, who hath obtained thy favour. He, gathering power, borne onward by his horses, makes his days lovely in his might and splendour.
8 When, Holy Agni, the divine assembly, the sacred synod mid the Gods, is gathered, And when thou, Godlike One, dealest forth treasures, vouchsafe us, too, our portion of the riches.
9 Hear us, O Agni, in your common dwelling: harness thy rapid car of Amṛta. Bring Heaven and Earth, the Deities' Parents, hither: stay with us here, nor from the Gods be distant.
1 HEAVEN and Earth, first by everlasting Order, speakers of truth, are near enough to hear us, When the God, urging men to worship. sitteth as Priest, assuming all his vital vigour.
2 As God comprising Gods by Law Eternal, bear, as the Chief who knoweth, our oblation, Smoke-bannered with the fuel, radiant, joyous, better to praise and worship, Priest for ever.
svā́vr̥g devásya amŕ̥taṃ yádī gór áto jātā́so dhārayanta urvī́ | víśve devā́ ánu tát te yájur gur duhé yád énī diviyáṃ ghr̥táṃ vā́ḥ ||
3 When the cow's nectar wins the God completely, men here below are heaven's sustainers. All the Gods came to this thy heavenly Yajus which from the motley Pair milked oil and water.
árcāmi vāṃ várdhāyā́po ghr̥tasnū dyā́vābhūmī śr̥ṇutáṃ rodasī me | áhā yád dyā́vo ásunītim áyan mádhvā no átra pitárā śiśītām ||
4 1 praise your work that ye may make me prosper: hear, Heaven and Earth, Twain Worlds that drop with fatness. While days and nights go to the world of spirits, here let the Parents with sweet meath refresh us
kíṃ svin no rā́jā jagr̥he kád asya áti vratáṃ cakr̥mā kó ví veda | mitráś cid dhí ṣmā juhurāṇó devā́ñ chlóko ná yātā́m ápi vā́jo ásti ||
5 Hath the King siezed us? How have we offended against his holy ordinance? Who knoweth? For even Mitra mid the Gods is angry there are both song and strength for those who come not.
6 ’Tis hard to understand the Immortal's nature, where she who is akin becomes astranger. Guard ceaselessly, great Agni, him who ponders Yama's name, easy to be comprehended.
7 They in the synod where the Gods rejoice them, where they are seated in Vivasvān's dwelling, Have given the Moon his beams, the Sun his splendour-the Two unweariedly maintain their brightness.
yásmin devā́ mánmani saṃcáranti apīcíye ná vayám asya vidma | mitró no átra áditir ánāgān savitā́ devó váruṇāya vocat ||
8 The counsel which the Gods meet to consider, their secret plan, —of that we have no knowledge. There let God Savitar, Aditi, and Mitra proclaim to Varuṇa that we are sinless.
9 Hear us, O Agni, in your comninn dwell ing: harness thy rapid car, the car of Amṛta. Bring Heaven and Earth, the Deities' Parents, hither: stay with us here, nor from the Gods be distant.
1 I YOKE with prayer your ancient inspiration: may the laud rise as on the prince's pathway. All Sons of Immortality shall hear it, all the possessors of celestial natures.
2 When speeding ye came nigh us like twin sisters, religious-hearted votaries brought you forward. Take your place, ye who know your proper station: be near, be very near unto our Soma.
3 Five paces have I risen from Earth. I follow her who hath four feet with devout observance. This by the Sacred Syllable have I measured: I purify in the central place of Order,
4 He, for God's sake, chose death to be his portion. He chose not, for men's good, a life eternal They sacrificed Bṛhaspati the Ṛṣi. Yama delivered up his own dear body.
5 The Seven flow to the Youth on whom the Maruts wait: the Sons unto the Father brought the sacrifice. Both these are his, as his they are the Lords of both: both toil; belonging unto both they prosper well.
1 HONOUR the King with thine oblations, Yama, Vivasvān's Son, who gathers men together, Who travelled to the lofty heights above us, who searcbes out and shows the path to many.
2 Yama first found for us a place to dwell in: this pasture never can be taken from Us. Men born on earth tread their own paths that lead them whither our ancient Fathers have departed.
mā́talī kavyaír yamó áṅgirobhir bŕ̥haspátir ŕ̥kvabhir vāvr̥dhānáḥ | yā́ṃś ca devā́ vāvr̥dhúr yé ca devā́n svā́hā anyé svadháyānyé madanti ||
3 Mitali prospers there with Kavyas, Yama with Aṅgiras' sons, Bṛhaspati with Rkvans: Exalters of the Gods, by Gods exalted, some joy in praise and some in our oblation.
4 Come, seat thee on this bed of grass, O Yama, in company with Aṅgirases and Fathers. Let texts recited by the sages bring thee O King, let this oblation make thee joyful.
5 Come, Yama, with the Aṅgirases the Holy, rejoice thee here with children of Virūpa. To sit on sacred grass at this our worship, I call Vivasvān, too, thy Father hither.
6 Our Fathers are Aṅgirases, Navagvas, Atharvans, Bhṛgus who deserve the Soma. May these, the Holy, look on us with favour, may we enjoy their gracious loving-kindness.
7 Go forth, go forth upon the ancient pathways whereon our sires of old have gone before us. 'Mere shalt thou look on both the Kings enjoying their sacred food, God Varuṇa and Yama.
8 Meet Yama, meet the Fathers, meet the merit of free or ordered acts, in highest heaven. Leave sin and evil, seek anew thy dwelling, and bright with glory wear another body.
9 Go hence, depart ye, fly in all directions: this place for him the Fathers have provided. Yama bestows on him a place to rest in adorned with days and beams of light and waters.
10 Run and outspeed the two dogs, Saramā's offspring, brindled, four-eyed, upon thy happy pathway. Draw nigh then to the gracious-minded Fathers where they rejoice in company with Yama.
yaú te śuvā́nau yama rakṣitā́rau caturakṣaú pathirákṣī nr̥cákṣasau | tā́bhiyām enam pári dehi rājan svastí cāsmā anamīváṃ ca dhehi ||
11 And those two dogs of thine, Yama, the watchers, four-eyed, who look on men and guard the pathway, —Entrust this man, O King, to their protection, and with prosperity and health endow him.
12 Dark-hued, insatiate, with distended nostrils, Yama's two envoys roam among the People; May they restore to us a fair existence here and to-day, that we may see the sunlight.
16 Into the six Expanses flies the Great One in Trkadrukas. The Gāyatrī, the Tṛṣṭup, all metres in Yama are contained.
10,15 Fathers
10.XV Fathers
úd īratām ávara út párāsa ún madhyamā́ḥ pitáraḥ somiyā́saḥ | ásuṃ yá īyúr avr̥kā́ r̥tajñā́s té no avantu pitáro háveṣu ||
1 MAY they ascend, the lowest, highest, midmost, the Fathers who deserve a share of Soma- May they who have attained the life of spirits, gentle and righteous, aid us when we call them.
2 Now let us pay this homage to the Fathers, to those who passed of old and those who followed, Those who have rested in the earthly region, and those who dwell among the Mighty Races.
ā́hám pitr̥̄́n suvidátrām̐ avitsi nápātaṃ ca vikrámaṇaṃ ca víṣṇoḥ | barhiṣádo yé svadháyā sutásya bhájanta pitvás tá ihā́gamiṣṭhāḥ ||
3 1 have attained the gracious-minded Fathers, I have gained son and progeny from Viṣṇu. They who enjoy pressed juices with oblation seated on sacred grass, come oftenest hither.
4 Fathers who sit on sacred grass, come, help us: these offerings have we made for you; accept them. So come to us with most auspicious favour, and give us health and strength without a trouble.
úpahūtāḥ pitáraḥ somiyā́so barhiṣíyeṣu nidhíṣu priyéṣu | tá ā́ gamantu tá ihá śruvantu ádhi bruvantu té avantu asmā́n ||
5 May they, the Fathers, worthy of the Soma, invited to their favourite oblations. Laid on the sacred grass, come nigh and listen: may they be gracious unto us and bless us.
6 Bowing your bended knees and seated southward, accept this sacrifice of ours with favour. Punish us not for any sin, O Fathers, which we through human frailty have committed.
7 Lapped in the bosom of the purple Mornings, give riches to the man who brings oblations. Grant to your sons a portion of that treasure, and, present, give them energy, ye Fathers.
8 Our ancient Fathers who deserve the Soma, who came, most noble, to our Soma banquet, —With these let Yama, yearning with the yearning, rejoicing eat our offerings at his pleasure.
9 Come to us, Agni, with the gracioug Fathers who dwell in glowing light, the very Kavyas, Who thirsted mid the Gods, who hasten hither, oblation winners, theme of singers' praises.
10 Come, Agni, come with countless ancient Fathers, dwellers in light, primeval, God-adorers, Eaters and drinkers of oblations, truthful, who travel with the Deities and Indra.
11 Fathers whom Agni's flames have tasted, come ye nigh: ye kindly leaders, take ye each your proper place. Eat sacrificial food presented on the grass: grant riches with a multitude of hero sons.
tuvám agna īḷitó jātavedo ávāḍ ḍhavyā́ni surabhī́ṇi kr̥tvī́ | prā́dāḥ pitŕ̥bhyaḥ svadháyā té akṣann addhí tváṃ deva práyatā havī́ṃṣi ||
12 Thou, Agni Jātavedas, when entreated, didst bear the offerings which thou madest fragrant, And give them to the Fathers who did cat them with Svadha. Eat, thou God, the gifts we bring thee.
yé ca ihá pitáro yé ca néhá yā́ṃś ca vidmá yā́m̐ u ca ná pravidmá | tuváṃ vettha yáti té jātavedaḥ svadhā́bhir yajñáṃ súkr̥taṃ juṣasva ||
13 Thou, Jātavedas, knowest well the number of Fathers who are here and who are absent, Of Fathers whom we know and whom we know not: accept the sacrifice wellprepared with portions.
14 They who, consumed by fire or not cremated, joy in their offering in the midst of heaven, —Grant them, O Sovran Lord, the world of spirits and their own body, as thy pleasure wills it.
1 Burn him not up, nor quite consume him, Agni: let not his body or his skin be scattered. O Jātavedas, when thou hast matured him, then send him on his way unto the Fathers.
2 When thou hast made him ready, Jātavedas, then do thou give him over to the Fathers. When he attains unto the life that waits him, he shall become the Deities' controller.
sū́ryaṃ cákṣur gachatu vā́tam ātmā́ diyā́ṃ ca gacha pr̥thivī́ṃ ca dhármaṇā | apó vā gacha yádi tátra te hitám óṣadhīṣu práti tiṣṭhā śárīraiḥ ||
3 The Sun receive thine eye, the Wind thy spirit; go, as thy merit is, to earth or heaven. Go, if it be thy lot, unto the waters; go, make thine home in plants with all thy members.
ajó bhāgás tápasā táṃ tapasva táṃ te śocís tapatu táṃ te arcíḥ | yā́s te śivā́s tanúvo jātavedas tā́bhir vahainaṃ sukŕ̥tām ulokám† ||
4 Thy portion is the goat: with heat consume him: let thy fierce flame, thy glowing splendour, burn him With thine auspicious forms, o Jātavedas, bear this man to the region of the pious.
5 Again, O Agni, to the Fathers send him who, offered in thee, goes with our oblations. Wearing new life let him increase his offspring: let him rejoin a body, Jātavedas.
6 What wound soe’er the dark bird hath inflicted, the emmet, or the serpent, or the jackal, May Agni who devoureth all things heal it and Soma who hath passed into the Brahmans.
agnér várma pári góbhir vyayasva sám prórṇuṣva pī́vasā médasā ca | nét tvā dhr̥ṣṇúr hárasā járhr̥ṣāṇo dadhŕ̥g vidhakṣyán pariaṅkháyāte ||
7 Shield thee with flesh against the flames of Agni, encompass thee about with fat and marrow, So will the Bold One, eager to attack thee with fierce glow fail to girdle and consume thee.
8 Forbear, O Agni, to upset this ladle: the Gods and they who merit Soma love it. This ladle, this which serves the Gods to drink from, in this the Immortal Deities rejoice them.
9 1 send afar flesh eating Agni, bearing off stains may he depart to Yama's subjects. But let this other Jātavedas carry oblation to the Gods, for he is skilful.
10 I choose as God for Father-worship Agni, flesh-eater, who hath past within your dwelling, While looking on this other Jātavedas. Let him light flames in the supreme assembly.
yó agníḥ kravyavā́hanaḥ pitr̥̄́n yákṣad r̥tāvŕ̥dhaḥ | préd u havyā́ni vocati devébhyaś ca pitŕ̥bhya ā́ ||
11 With offerings meet let Agni bring the Fathers who support the Law. Let him announce oblations paid to Fathers and to Deities.
uśántas tvā ní dhīmahi uśántaḥ sám idhīmahi | uśánn uśatá ā́ vaha pitr̥̄́n havíṣe áttave ||
12 Right gladly would we set thee down, right gladly make thee burn and glow. Gladly bring yearning Fathers nigh to cat the food of sacrifice.
13 Cool, Agni, and again refresh the spot which thou hast scorched and burnt. Here let the water-lily grow, and tender grass and leafy herb.
śī́tike śī́tikāvati hlā́dike hlā́dikāvati | maṇḍūkíyā sú sáṃ gama imáṃ sú agníṃ harṣaya ||
14 O full of coolness, thou cool Plant, full of fresh moisture, freshening Herb, Come hither with the female frog: fill with delight this Agni here.
10,17 Various Deities
10.Deities XVII Various
tváṣṭā duhitré vahatúṃ kr̥ṇoti ítīdáṃ víśvam bhúvanaṃ sám eti | yamásya mātā́ pariuhyámānā mahó jāyā́ vívasvato nanāśa ||
1 TVASTAR prepares the bridal of his Daughter: all the world hears the tidings and assembles. But Yama's Mother, Spouse of great Vivasvān, vanished as she was carried to her dwelling.
2 From mortal men they hid the Immortal Lady, made one like her and gave her to Vivasvān. Saranyu brought to him the Aśvin brothers, and then deserted both twinned pairs of children.
3 Guard of the world, whose cattle ne’er are injured, may Pūṣan bear thee hence, for he hath knowledge. May he consign thee to these Fathers' keeping, and to the gracious Gods let Agni give thee.
4 May Āyu, giver of all life, protect thee, and bear thee forward on the distant pathway. Thither let Savitar the God transport thee, where dwell the pious who have passed-before thee.
pūṣémā́ ā́śā ánu veda sárvāḥ só asmā́m̐ ábhayatamena neṣat | suastidā́ ā́ghr̥ṇiḥ sárvavīro áprayuchan purá etu prajānán ||
5 Pūṣan knows all these realms: may he conduct us by ways that are most free from fear and danger. Giver of blessings, glowing, all-heroic, may he, thewise and watchful, go before us.
prápathe pathā́m ajaniṣṭa pūṣā́ prápathe diváḥ prápathe pr̥thivyā́ḥ | ubhé abhí priyátame sadhásthe ā́ ca párā ca carati prajānán ||
6 Pūṣan was born to move on distant pathways, on the road far from earth and far from heaven. To both most wonted places of assembly he travels and returns with perfect knowledge.
7 The pious call Sarasvatī, they worship Sarasvatī while sacrifice proceedeth. The pious called Sarasvatī aforetime. Sarasvatī send bliss to him who giveth.
8 Sarasvatī, who camest with the Fathers, with them rejoicing thee in our oblations, Seated upon this sacred grass be joyful, and give us strengthening food that brings no sickness.
9 Thou, called on as Sarasvatī by Fathers who come right forward to our solemn service, Give food and wealth to present sacrificers, a portion, worth a thousand, of refreshment.
10 The Mother Floods shall make us bright and shining, cleansers of holy oil, with oil shall cleanse us: For, Goddesses, they bear off all defilement: I, rise up from them purified and brightened.
11 Through days of earliest date the Drop descended on this place and on that which was before it. I offer up, throughout the seven oblations, the Drop which still to one same place is moving.
yás te drapsá skándati yás te aṃśúr bāhúcyuto dhiṣáṇāyā upásthāt | adhvaryór vā pári vā yáḥ pavítrāt táṃ te juhomi mánasā váṣaṭkr̥tam ||
12 The Drop that falls, thy stalk which arms have shaken, which from the bosom of the press hath fallen, Or from the Adhvaryu's purifying filter, I offer thee with heart and cry of Vaṣaṭ!
yás te drapsá skannó yás te aṃśúr aváś ca yáḥ paráḥ srucā́ | ayáṃ devó bŕ̥haspátiḥ sáṃ táṃ siñcatu rā́dhase ||
13 That fallen Drop of thine, the stalk which from the ladle fell away, This present God Bṛhaspati shall pour it forth to make us rich.
1 Go hence, O Death, pursue thy special pathway apart from that which Gods are wont to travel. To thee I say it who hast eyes and hearest: Touch not our offspring, injure not our heroes.
2 As ye have come effacing Mrtyu's footstep, to further times prolonging your existence, May ye be rich in children and possessions. cleansed, purified, and meet for sacrificing.
3 Divided from the dead are these, the living: now be our calling on the Gods successful. We have gone forth for dancing and for laughter, tofurther times prolonging our existence.
4 Here I erect this rampart for the living; let none of these, none other, reach this limit. May they survive a hundred lengthened autumns, and may they bury Death beneath this mountain.
5 As the days follow days in close succession, as with the seasons duly come the seasons, As each successor fails not his foregoer, so form the lives of these, O great Ordainer.
6 Live your full lives ap! find old age delightful, all of you striving one behind the other. May Tvaṣṭar, maker of fair things, be gracious and lengthen out the days of your existence.
7 Let these unwidowed dames with noble husbands adorn themselves with fragrant balm and unguent. Decked with fair jewels, tearless, free from sorrow, first let the dames go up to where he lieth.
8 Rise, come unto the world of life, O woman: come, he is lifeless by whose side thou liest. Wifehood with this thy husband was thy portion, who took thy hand and wooed thee as a lover.
9 From his dead hand I take the bow be carried, that it may be our power and might and glory. There art thou, there; and here with noble heroes may we o’ercome all hosts that fight against us.
10 Betake thee to the Iap of Earth the Mother, of Earth far-spreading, very kind and gracious. Young Dame, wool-soft unto the guerdongiver, may she preserve thee from Destruction's bosom.
11 Heave thyself, Earth, nor press thee downward heavily: afford him easy access, gently tending him. Cover him, as a mother wraps her skirt about her child, O Earth.
ucchváñcamānā pr̥thivī́ sú tiṣṭhatu sahásram míta úpa hí śráyantām | té gr̥hā́so ghr̥taścúto bhavantu viśvā́hāsmai śaraṇā́ḥ santu átra ||
12 Now let the heaving earth be free from motion: yea, —let a thousand clods remain above him. Be they to him a home distilling fatness, here let them ever be his place of refuge.
út te stabhnāmi pr̥thivī́ṃ tuvát pári imáṃ logáṃ nidádhan mó aháṃ riṣam | etā́ṃ sthū́ṇām pitáro dhārayantu te átrā yamáḥ sā́danā te minotu ||
13 I stay the earth from thee, while over thee I place this piece of earth. May I be free from injury. Here let the Fathers keep this pillar firm for thee, and there let Yama make thee an abiding-place.
10 Thus with his thoughts, O Son of Strength, O Agni, hath Vimada, accordant with the Immortals, Offered thee hymns, soliciting thy favour. Thou hast brought all food, strength, a prosperous dwelling.
10,21 Agni
10.XXI Agni
ā́ agníṃ ná svávr̥ktibhir hótāraṃ tvā vr̥ṇīmahe | yajñā́ya stīrṇábarhiṣe ví vo máde śīrám pavākáśociṣaṃ+ vívakṣase ||
1 WITH offerings of our own we choose thee, Agni, as Invoking Priest, For sacrifice with trimmed grass, —at your glad carouse-piercing and brightly shining. Thou art waxing great.
tuvā́m u té suābhúvaḥ śumbhánti áśvarādhasaḥ | véti tvā́m upasécanī ví vo máda ŕ̥jītir agna ā́hutir vívakṣase ||
2 The wealthy ones adorn thee, they who bring us horses as their gift: The sprinkling ladle, Agni, —at your glad carouse -and glowing offering taste thee. Thou art waxing great.
3 The holy statutes rest by thee, as ’twere with ladles that o’erflow. Black and white-gleaming colours, —at your glad carouse-all glories thou assurnest. Thou art waxing great.
yám agne mányase rayíṃ sáhasāvann amartiya | tám ā́ no vā́jasātaye ví vo máde yajñéṣu citrám ā́ bharā vívakṣase ||
4 O Agni, what thou deemest wealth, Victorious and Immortal One! Bring thou to give us vigour, —at your glad carouse -splendid at sacrifices. Thou art waxing great.
5 Skilled in all lore is Agni, he whom erst Atharvan brought to life. He was Vivasvān's envoy, at your glad carouse-the we Il-loved friend of Yama, Thou art waxing great.
6 At sacrifices they adore thee, Agni, when the rite proceeds. All fair and lovely treasures-at your glad carouse-thou givest him who offers. Thou art waxing great.
tuvā́ṃ yajñéṣu r̥tvíjaṃ cā́rum agne ní ṣedire | ghr̥tápratīkam mánuṣo ví vo máde śukráṃ cétiṣṭham akṣábhir vívakṣase ||
7 Men, Agni, have established thee as welcome Priest at holy rites, Thee whose face shines with butter, —at your glad carouse-bright, with eyes most observant. Thou art waxing great.
8 Wide and aloft thou spreadest thee, O Agni, with thy brilliant flame. A Bull art thou when bellowing, —at your glad carouse-thou dost impregn the Sisters. Thou art waxing great.
4 Harnessing to thy car, as God, two blustering Steeds Of the Wind-God, O Thunderer, That speed along the shining path, thou making ways art glorified.
5 Even to these dark Steeds of Wind thou of thyself hast come to ride, Of which no driver may be found, none, be he God or mortal man.
ádha gmántā uśánā pr̥chate vāṃ kádarthā na ā́ gr̥hám | ā́ jagmathuḥ parākã́d diváś ca gmáś ca mártiyam ||
6 When ye approach, men ask you, thee and Uśanā: Why come ye to our dwelling-place? Why are ye come to mortal man from distant realms of eapth and heaven?
8 Around us is the Dasyu, riteless, void of sense, inhuman, keeping alien laws. Baffle, thou Slayer of the foe, the weapon which this Dāsa wields.
tuváṃ na · indara+ śūra śū́rair utá tvótāso barháṇā | purutrā́ te ví pūrtáyo návanta kṣoṇáyo yathā ||
9 Hero with Heroes, thou art ours: yea, strong are they whom thou dost help. In many a place are thy full gifts, and men, like vassals, sing thy praise.
10 Urge thou these heroes on to slay the enemy, brave Thunderer! in the fight with swords. Even when hid among the tribes of Sages numerous as stars.
makṣū́ tā́ ta indara+ dānā́pnasa ākṣāṇé śūra vajrivaḥ | yád dha śúṣṇasya dambháyo jātáṃ víśvaṃ sayā́vabhiḥ ||
11 Swift come those gifts of thine whose hand is prompt to rend and burn, O Hero Thunder-armed: As thou with thy Companions didst destroy the whole of Su Snia's brood.
12 Let not thine excellent assistance come to us, O Hero Indra, profitless. May we, may we enjoy the bliss of these thy favours, Thunderer!
asmé tā́ ta indara+ santu satyā́ áhiṃsantīr upaspŕ̥śaḥ | vidyā́ma yā́sãm bhújo dhenūnã́ṃ ná vajrivaḥ ||
13 May those soft impulses of thine, O Indra, be fruitful and innocent to us. May we know these whose treasures are like those of milch-kine, Thunderer!
14 That Earth, through power of knowing things that may be known, handless and footless yet might thrive, Thou slewest, turning to the right, gu; na for every living man.
15 Drink, drink the Soma, Hero Indra; be not withheld as thou art good, O Treasure-giver. Preserve the singers and our liberal princes, and make us wealthy with abundant riches.
1 INDRA, whose right hand wields the bolt, we worship, driver of Bay Steeds seeking sundered courses. Shaking his beard with might he hath arisen, casting his weapons forth and dealing bounties.
2 The treasure which his Bay Steeds found at sacrifice, —this wealth made opulent Indra slayer of the foe. Ṛbhu, Ṛbhukṣan, Vāja-he is Lord of Might. The Dāsa's very name I utterly destroy.
3 When, with the Princes, Maghavari, famed of old, comes nigh the thunderbolt of gold, and the Controller's car Which his two Tawny Coursers draw, then Indra is the Sovran Lord of power whose glory spreads afar.
só cin nú vr̥ṣṭír yūthíyā suvā́ sácām̐ índraḥ śmáśrūṇi háritābhí pruṣṇute | áva veti sukṣáyaṃ suté mádhu úd íd dhūnoti vã́to yáthā vánam ||
4 With him too is this rain of his that comes like herds: Indra throws drops of moisture on his yellow beard. When the sweet juice is shed he seeks the pleasant place, and stirs the worshipper as wind disturbs the wood.
5 We laud and praise his several deeds of valour who, fatherlike, with power hath made us stronger; Who with his voice slew many thousand wicked ones who spake in varied manners with contemptuous cries.
stómaṃ ta indra vimadā́ ajījanann ápūrviyam purutámaṃ sudā́nave | vidmā́ hí asya bhójanam inásya yád ā́ paśúṃ ná gopã́ḥ karāmahe ||
6 Indra, the Vimadas have formed for thee a laud, copious, unparalleled, for thee Most Bountiful. We know the good we gain from him the Mighty One when we attract him as a herdsman calls the kine.
mā́kir na enā́ sakhiyā́ ví yauṣus táva ca indra vimadásya ca ŕ̥ṣeḥ | vidmā́ hí te prámatiṃ deva jāmivád asmé te santu sakhiyā́ śivā́ni ||
7 Ne’er may this bond of friendship be dissevered, the Ṛṣi Vimada's and thine, O Indra. We know thou carest for us as a brother with us, O God, be thine auspicious friendship.
10,24 Indra-Aśvins
10.Aśvins XXIV Indra.
índra sómam imám piba mádhumantaṃ camū́ sutám | asmé rayíṃ ní dhāraya ví vo máde sahasríṇam purūvaso vívakṣase ||
1 O INDRA, drink this Soma, pressed out in the mortar, full of sweets. Send down to us great riches, —at your glad carouse-in thousands, O Most healthy. Thou art waxing great.
tuvā́ṃ yajñébhir ukthaír úpa havyébhir īmahe | śácīpate śacīnãṃ ví vo máde śréṣṭhaṃ no dhehi vā́riyaṃ vívakṣase ||
2 To thee with sacrifices, with oblations, and with lauds we come. Lord of all strength and power, grant-at your glad carouse-the best choiceworthy treasure. Thou art waxing great.
3 Thou who art Lord of precious boons, inciter even of the churl. Guardian of singers, Indra, —at your glad carouse-save us from woe and hatred. Thou art waxing great.
5 When the united pair were rent asunder all the Gods complained. The Gods to the Nāsatyas cried, Bring these together once again.
mádhuman me parā́yaṇam mádhumat púnar ā́yanam | tā́ no devā devátayā yuvám mádhumatas kr̥tam ||
6 Sweet be my going forth, and rich in sweets be my approach to home. So, through your Deity, both Gods, enrich us with all pleasantness.
10,25 Soma
10.XXV Soma
bhadráṃ no ápi vātaya máno dákṣam utá krátum | ádhā te sakhyé ándhaso ví vo máde ráṇan gā́vo ná yávase vívakṣase ||
1 SEND us a good and happy mind, send energy and mental power. Then-at your glad carouse-let men joy in thy love, Sweet juice! as kine in pasture. Thou. art waxing great.
hr̥dispŕ̥śas ta āsate víśveṣu soma dhā́masu | ádhā kā́mā imé máma ví vo máde ví tiṣṭhante vasūyávo vívakṣase ||
2 rn all thy forms, O Soma, rest thy powers that influence the heart. So also these my longings-at your glad carouse-spread themselves seeking riches. Thou art waxing great.
utá vratā́ni soma te prā́hám mināmi pākíyā | ádhā pitéva sūnáve ví vo máde mr̥̄ḷā́+ no abhí cid vadhā́d vívakṣase ||
3 Even if, O Soma, I neglect thy laws through my simplicity, Be gracious-at your glad carouse-as sire to son. Preserve us even from slaughter. T'hou. art waxing great.
sám u prá yanti dhītáyaḥ sárgāso avatā́m̐ iva | krátuṃ naḥ soma jīváse ví vo máde dhāráyā camasā́m̐ iva vívakṣase ||
4 Our songs in concert go to thee as streams of water to the wells. Soma, that we may live, grant-at your glad carouse-full powers of mind, like beakers. Thou art waxing great.
5 O Soma, through thy might who art skilful and strong, these longing men, These sages, have thrown open-at your glad carouse-the stall of kine and horses. Thou art waxing great
6 Our herds thou guardest, Soma, and the moving world spread far and wide. Thou fittest them for living, —at your glad carouse-looking upon all beings. Thou art waxing great.
7 On all sides, Soma, be to us a Guardian ne’er to be deceived. King, drive away our foemen-at your glad carouse: —let not the wicked rule us. Thou art waxing great.
8 Be watchful, Soma, passing wise, to give us store of vital strength. More skilled than man to guide us, —at your glad carouse-save us from harm and sorrow. Thou art waxing great.
tuváṃ no vr̥trahantama índrasyendo śiváḥ sákhā | yát sīṃ hávante samithé ví vo máde yúdhyamānās tokásātau vívakṣase ||
9 Chief slayer of our foemen, thou, Indu, art Indra's gracious Friend, When warriors invoke him-at your glad carouse -in fight, to win them offspring. Thou art waxing great.
ayáṃ gha sá turó máda índrasya vardhata priyáḥ | ayáṃ kakṣī́vato mahó ví vo máde matíṃ víprasya vardhayad vívakṣase ||
10 Victorious is this gladdening drink: to Indra dear it grows in strength. This-at your glad carouse -enhanced the mighty Thou art waxing great of the great sage Kakṣīvān
ayáṃ víprāya dāśúṣe vā́jām̐ iyarti gómataḥ | ayáṃ saptábhya ā́ váraṃ ví vo máde prā́ndháṃ śroṇáṃ ca tāriṣad vívakṣase ||
11 This to the sage who offers gifts brings power that comes from wealth in kine. This, better than the seven, hath-at your glad carouse-furthered the blind, the cripple. Thou art waxing great.
9 May the majestic Pūṣan speed our chariot with his power and might. May he increase our store of wealth and listen to this call of ours.
10,27 Indra
10.XXVII Indra
ásat sú me jaritaḥ sā́bhivegó yát sunvaté yájamānāya śíkṣam | ánāśīrdām ahám asmi prahantā́ satyadhvŕ̥taṃ vr̥jināyántam ābhúm ||
1 THIS, singer, is my firm determination, to aid the worshipper who pours the Soma. I slay the man who brings no milkoblation, unrighteous, powerful, the truth's perverter.
yádī́d aháṃ yudháye saṃnáyāni ádevayūn tanúvā śū́śujānān | amā́ te túmraṃ vr̥ṣabhám pacāni tīvráṃ sutám pañcadaśáṃ ní ṣiñcam ||
2 Then Will I, when I lead my friends to battle against the radiant persons of the godless, Prepare for thee at home a vigorous bullock, and pour for thee the fifteen-fold strong juices.
nā́háṃ táṃ veda yá íti brávīti ádevayūn samáraṇe jaghanvā́n | yadā́vā́khyat samáraṇam ŕ̥ghāvad ā́d íd dha me vr̥ṣabhā́ prá bruvanti ||
3 I know not him who sayeth and declareth that he hath slain the godless in the battle. Soon as they see the furious combat raging, men speak forth praises of my vigorous horses.
4 While yet my deeds of might were unrecorded, all passed for Maghavans though I existed. The potent one who dwelt in peace I conquered, grasped by the foot and slew him on the mountain.
ná vā́ u mā́ṃ vr̥jáne vārayante ná párvatāso yád ahám manasyé | máma svanā́t kr̥dhukárṇo bhayāta evéd ánu dyū́n kiráṇaḥ sám ejāt ||
5 None hinder me in mine heroic exploits, no, not the mountains when I will and purpose. Even the deaf will tremble at my roaring, and every day will dust be agitated.
6 To see the Indraless oblation-drinkers, mean offerers, o’ertaken by destruction! Then shall the fellies of my car pass over those who have blamed my joyous Friend and scorned him.
ábhūr u aúkṣīr ví u ā́yur ānaḍ dárṣan nú pū́rvo áparo nú darṣat | duvé paváste pári táṃ ná bhūto yó asyá pāré rájaso vivéṣa ||
7 Thou wast, thou grewest to full vital vigour: an earlier saw, a later one shall see thee. Two canopies, as ’twere, are round about him who reacheth to the limit of this region.
8 The freed kine eat the barley of the pious. 1 saw them as they wandered with the herdsman. The calling of the pious rang around them. What portion will these kine afford their owner?
9 When we who cat the grass of men are gathered I am with barley-eaters in the corn-land. There shall the captor yoke the yokeless bullock, and he who hath been yoked seek one to loose him.
átréd u me maṃsase satyám uktáṃ dvipā́c ca yác cátuṣpāt saṃsr̥jā́ni | strībhír yó átra vŕ̥ṣaṇam pr̥tanyā́d áyuddho asya ví bhajāni védaḥ ||
10 There wilt thou hold as true my spoken purpose, to bring together quadrupeds. and bipeds. I will divide, without a fight, his riches who warreth here, against the Bull, with women.
11 When a man's daughter hath been ever eyeless, who, knowing, will be wroth with her for blindness? Which of the two will loose on him his anger-the man who leads her home or he who woos her?
12 How many a maid is pleasing to the suitor who fain would marry for her splendid riches? If the girl be both good and fair of feature, she finds, herself, a friend among the people.
13 His feet have grasped: he eats the man who meets him. Around his head he sets the head for shelter. Sitting anear and right above he smites us, and follows earth that lies spread out beneath him.
14 High, leafless, shadowless, and swift is Heaven: the Mother stands, the Youngling, loosed, is feeding. Loud hath she lowed, licking Another's offspring. In what world hath the Cow laid down her udder?
15 Seven heroes from the nether part ascended, and from the upper part came eight together. Nine from behind came armed with winnowing-baskets: ten from the front pressed o’er the rock's high ridges.
16 One of the ten, the tawny, shared in common, they send to execute their final purpose. The Mother carries on her breast the Infant of noble form and soothes it while it knows not.
17 The Heroes dressed with fire the fatted wether: the dice were thrown by way of sport and gaming. Two reach the plain amid the heavenly waters, hallowing and with means of purifying.
18 Crying aloud they ran in all directions: One half of them will cook, and not the other. To me hath Savitar, this God, declared it: He will perform, whose food is wood and butter.
19 I saw a troop advancing from the distance moved, not by wheels but their own God-like nature. The Friendly One seeks human generations, destroying, still new bands of evil beings.
etaú me gā́vau pramarásya yuktaú mó ṣú prá sedhīr múhur ín mamandhi | ā́paś cid asya ví naśanti árthaṃ sū́raś ca marká úparo babhūvā́n ||
20 These my two Bulls, even Pramara's, are harnessed: drive them not far; here let them often linger. The waters even shall aid him to his object, and the all-cleansing Sun who is above us.
21 This is the thunderbolt which often whirleth down from the lofty misty realm of Sūrya. Beyond this realm there is another glory so through old age they pass and feel no sorrow.
vr̥kṣé-vr̥kṣe níyatā mīmayad gaús táto váyaḥ prá patān pūruṣā́daḥ | áthedáṃ víśvam bhúvanam bhayāta índrāya sunvád ŕ̥ṣaye ca śíkṣat ||
22 Bound fast to, every tree the cow is lowing, and thence the man-consuming birds are flying, Then all this world, though pressing juice for Indra and strengthening the Ṛṣi, is affrighted.
23 In the Gods’ mansion stood the first-created, and from their separation came the later. Three warm the Earth while holding stores of water, and Two of these convey the murmuring moisture.
sā́ te jīvā́tur utá tásya viddhi mā́ smaitādŕ̥g ápa gūhaḥ samaryé | āvíḥ súvaḥ kr̥ṇuté gū́hate busáṃ sá pādúr asya nirṇíjo ná mucyate ||
24 This is thy life: and do thou mark and know it. As such, hide not thyself in time of battle. He manifests the light and hides the vapour: his foot is never free from robes that veil it.
1 Now all my other friends are here assembled: my Sire-in-law alone hath not come hither. So might he eat the grain and drink the Soma, and, satisfied, return unto; his dwelling.
sá róruvad vr̥ṣabhás tigmáśr̥ṅgo várṣman tasthau várimann ā́ pr̥thivyā́ḥ | víśveṣu enaṃ vr̥jáneṣu pāmi yó me kukṣī́ sutásomaḥ pr̥ṇā́ti ||
2 Loud belloweth the Bull whose horns are sharpened: upon the height above earth's breadth he standeth. That man I guard and save in all his troubles who fills my flanks when he hath shed the Soma.
3 Men with the stone press out for thee, O Indra, strong, gladdening Soma, and thereof thou drinkest. Bulls they dress for thee, and of these thou eatest when, Maghavan, with food thou art invited.
4 Resolve for me, O singer, this my riddle: The rivers send their swelling water backward: The fox steals up to the approaching lion: the jackal drives the wild-boar from the brushwood.
kathā́ ta etád ahám ā́ ciketaṃ gŕ̥tsasya pā́kas taváso manīṣā́m | tuváṃ no vidvā́m̐ r̥tuthā́ ví voco yám árdhaṃ te maghavan kṣemiyā́ dhū́ḥ ||
5 How shall I solve this riddle, I, the simple, declare the thought of thee the Wise and Mighty? Tell us, well knowing, as befits the season: Whitherward is thy prosperous car advancing?
6 Thus do they magnify me, me the mighty higher than even high heaven is my car-pole. I all at once demolish many thousands: my Sire begot me with no foe to match me.
7 Yea, and the Gods have known me also, Indra, as mighty, fierce and strong in every exploit. Exulting with the bolt I slaughtered Vṛtra, and for the offerer oped with might the cow-stall.
8 The Deities approached, they carried axes; splitting the wood they came with their attendants. They laid good timber in the fire-receivers, and burnt the grass up where they found it growing.
9 The hare hath swallowed up the opposing razor: I sundered with a clod the distant mountain. The great will I make subject to the little: the calf shall wax in strength and cat the bullock.
10 There hath the strong-winged eagle left his talon, as a snared lion leaves the trap that caught him. Even the wild steer in his thirst is captured: the leather strap still holds his foot entangled.
11 So may the leather strap their foot entangle who fatten on the viands of the Brahman. They all devour the bulls set free to wander, while they themselves destroy their bodies' vigour.
12 They were well occupied with holy duties who sped in person with their lauds to Soma. Speaking like man, mete to us wealth and booty: in heaven thou hast the name and fame of Hero.
1 As sits the young bird on the tree rejoicing, ye, swift Pair, have been roused by clear laudation, Whose Herald-Priest through many days is Indra, earth's Guardian, Friend of men, the best of Heroes.
2 May we, when this Dawn and the next dance hither, be thy best servants, most heroic Hero! Let the victorious car with triple splendour bring hitherward the hundred chiefs with Kutsa.
3 What was the gladdening draught that pleased thee, Indra? Speed through our doors to songs, for thou art mighty. Why comest thou to me, what gift attracts thee? Fain would I bring thee food most meet to offer.
kád u dyumnám indra tuvā́vato nr̥̄́n káyā dhiyā́ karase kán na ā́gan | mitró ná satyá urugāya bhr̥tyā́ ánne samasya yád ásan manīṣā́ḥ ||
4 Indra, what fame hath one like thee mid heroes? With what plan wilt thou act? Why hast thou sought us? As a true Friend, Wide-Strider! to sustain us, since food absorbs the thought of each among us.
prá īraya sū́ro árthaṃ ná pāráṃ yé asya kā́maṃ janidhā́ iva gmán | gíraś ca yé te tuvijāta pūrvī́r nára indra pratiśíkṣanti ánnaiḥ ||
5 Speed happily those, as Sūrya ends his journey, who meet his wish as bridegrooms meet their spouses; Men who present, O Indra strong by nature, with food the many songs that tell thy praises.
mā́tre nú te súmite indra pūrvī́ dyaúr majmánā pr̥thivī́ kā́viyena | várāya te ghr̥távantaḥ sutā́saḥ svā́dman bhavantu pītáye mádhūni ||
6 Thine are two measures, Indra, wide-wellmeted, heaven for thy majesty, earth for thy wisdom. Here for thy choice are Somas mixed with butter: may the sweet meath be pleasant for thy drinking.
ā́ mádhvo asmā asicann ámatram índrāya pūrṇáṃ sá hí satyárādhāḥ | sá vāvr̥dhe várimann ā́ pr̥thivyā́ abhí krátvā náriyaḥ paúṃsiyaiś ca ||
7 They have poured out a bowl to him, to Indra, full of sweet juice, for faithful is his bounty. O'er earth's expanse hath he grown great by wisdom, the Friend of man, and by heroic exploits.
8 Indra hath conquered in his wars, the Mighty: men strive in multitudes to win his friendship. Ascend thy chariot as it were in battle, which thou shalt drive to us with gracious favour.
1 As ’twere with swift exertion of the spirit, let the priest speed to the celestial Waters, The glorious food of Varuṇa and Mitra. To him who spreadeth far this laud I offer.
2 Adhvaryus, he ye ready with oblations, , and come with longing to the longing Waters, Down on which looks the. purple-tinted Eagle. Pour ye that flowing wave this day, deft-handed.
ádhvaryavo apá itā samudrám apā́ṃ nápātaṃ havíṣā yajadhvam | sá vo dadad ūrmím adyā́ súpūtaṃ tásmai sómam mádhumantaṃ sunota ||
3 Go to the reservoir, O ye Adhvaryus worship the Waters’ Child with your oblations. A consecrated wave he now will give you, so press for him the Soma rich in sweetness.
4 He who shines bright in floods, unfed with fuel, whom sages worship at their sacrifices: Give waters rich in sweets, Child of the Waters, even those which gave heroic might to Indra:
yā́bhiḥ sómo módate hárṣate ca kalyāṇī́bhir yuvatíbhir ná máryaḥ | tā́ adhvaryo apó áchā párehi yád āsiñcā́ óṣadhībhiḥ punītāt ||
5 Those in which Soma joys and is delighted, as a young man with fair and pleasant damsels. Go thou unto those Waters, O Adhvaryu, and purify with herbs what thou infusest.
6 So maidens bow before the youthful gallant who comes with love to them who yearn to meet him. In heart accordant and in wish one-minded are the Adhvaryus and the heavenly Waters.
yó vo vr̥tā́bhyo ákr̥ṇod ulokáṃ† yó vo mahyā́ abhíśaster ámuñcat | tásmā índrāya mádhumantam ūrmíṃ devamā́danam prá hiṇotanāpaḥ ||
7 He who made room for you when fast imprisoned, who freed you from the mighty imprecation, —Even to that Indra send the meath-rich current, the wave that gratifies the Gods, O Waters.
8 Send forth to him the meath-rich wave, O Rivers, which is your offspring and a well of sweetness, Oil-balmed, to be implored at sacrifices. Ye wealthy Waters, hear mine invocation.
táṃ sindhavo matsarám indrapā́nam ūrmím prá heta yá ubhé íyarti | madacyútam · auśānáṃ nabhojā́m pári tritántuṃ vicárantam útsam ||
9 Send forth the rapture-giving wave, O Rivers, which Indra drinks, which sets the Twain in motion; The well that springeth from the clouds, desirous, that wandereth triple-formed, distilling transport.
āvárvr̥tatīr ádha nú dvidhā́rā goṣuyúdho ná niyaváṃ cárantīḥ | ŕ̥ṣe jánitrīr bhúvanasya pátnīr apó vandasva savŕ̥dhaḥ sáyonīḥ ||
10 These winding Streams which with their double current, like cattle-raiders, seek the lower pastures, —Waters which dwell together, thrive together, Queens, Mothers of the world, these, Ṛṣi, honour.
11 Send forth our sacrifice with holy worship send forth the hymn and prayer for gain of riches. For need of sacrifice disclose the udder. Give gracious hearing to our call, O Waters.
ā́po revatīḥ kṣáyathā hí vásvaḥ krátuṃ ca bhadrám bibhr̥thā́mŕ̥taṃ ca | rāyáś ca sthá suapatyásya pátnīḥ sárasvatī tád gr̥ṇaté váyo dhāt ||
12 For, wealthy Waters, ye control all treasures: ye bring auspicious intellect and Amṛta. Ye are the Queens of independent riches Sarasvatī give full life to the singer!
13 When I behold the Waters coming hither, carrying with them milk and mcath and butter, Bearing the well-pressed Soma juice to Indra, they harmonize in spirit with Adhvaryus.
14 Rich, they are come with wealth for living beings, O friends, Adhvaryus, seat them in their places. Seat them on holy grass, ye Soma-bringers in harmony with the Offspring of the Waters.
ā́gmann ā́pa uśatī́r barhír édáṃ ní adhvaré asadan devayántīḥ | ádhvaryavaḥ sunuténdrāya sómam ábhūd u vaḥ suśákā devayajyā́ ||
15 Now to this grass are come the longing Waters: the Pious Ones are seated at our worship. Adbvaryus, press the Soma juice for Indra so will the service of the Gods be easy.
1 MAY benediction of the Gods approach us, holy, to aid us with all rapid succours. Therewith may we be happily befriended, and pass triumphant over all our troubles.
2 A man should think on wealth and strive to win it by adoration on the path of Order, Counsel himself with his own mental insight, and grasp still nobler vigour with his spirit.
3 The hymn is formed, poured are the allotted portions: as to a ford friends come unto the Wondrous. We have obtained the power of case and comfort, we ha Ve become acquainted, with Immortals.
4 Pleased be the Eternal Lord who loves the household with this man whom God Savitar created. May Bhaga Aryaman grace him with cattle: may he appear to him, and be, delightful.
5 Like the Dawns' dwelling-place be this assembly, where in their might men rich in food have gathered. Striving to share the praises of this singer. To us come strengthening and effectual riches!
6 This Bull's most gracious far-extended favour existed first of all in full abundance. By his support they are maintained in common who in the Asura's mansion dwell together.
kíṃ svid vánaṃ ká u sá vr̥kṣá āsa yáto dyā́vāpr̥thivī́ niṣṭatakṣúḥ | saṃtasthāné ajáre itáūtī áhāni pūrvī́r uṣáso jaranta ||
7 What was the tree, what wood, in sooth, produced it, from which they fashioned forth the Earth and Heaven? These Twain stand fast and wax not old for ever: these have sung praise to many a day and morning.
naítā́vad enā́ paró anyád asti ukṣā́ sá dyā́vāpr̥thivī́ bibharti | tvácam pavítraṃ kr̥ṇuta svadhā́vān yád īṃ sū́ryaṃ ná haríto váhanti ||
8 Not only here is this: more is beyond us. He is the Bull, the Heaven's and Earth's supporter. With power divine he makes his skin a filter, when the Bay Coursers bear him on as Sūrya.
stegó ná kṣã́m áti eti pr̥thvī́m míhaṃ ná vā́to ví ha vāti bhū́ma | mitró yátra váruṇo ajyámāno agnír váne ná ví ásr̥ṣṭa śókam ||
9 He passes o’er the broad earth like a Stega: he penetrates the world as Wind the mist-cloud. He, balmed with oil, near Varuṇa and Mitra, like Agni in the wood, hath shot forth splendour.
10 When suddenly called the cow that erst was barren, she, self-protected, ended all her troubles. Earth, when the first son sprang from sire and mother, cast up the gami, that which men were seeking.
11 To Nṛṣad's son they gave the name of Kainva, and he the brown-hued courser won the treasure. For him dark-coloured streamed the shining udder: none made it swell for him. Thus Order willed it.
1 FORTH speed the Pair to bring the meditating God, benevolent with boons sent in return for boons. May Indra graciously accept both gifts from us, when he hath knowledge of the flowing Soma juice.
2 Thou wanderest far, O Indra, through the spheres of light and realms of earth, the region, thou whom many praise! Let those who often bring their solemn rites conquer the noisy babblers who present no gifts.
3 More beautiful than beauty must this seem to me, when the son duly careth for his parents' line. The wife attracts the husband: with a shout of joy the man's auspicious marriage is performed aright.
4 This beauteous place of meeting have I looked upon, where, like milch-cows, the kine order the marriage train; Where the Herd's Mother counts as first and best of all, and round her are the seven-toned people of the choir.
5 The Pious One hath reached your place before the rest: One only moves victorious with the Rudras' band. To these your helpers pour our meath, Immortal Gods, with whom your song of praise hath power to win their gifts.
6 He who maintains the Laws of God informed me that thou wast lying hidden in the waters. Indra, who knoweth well, beheld and showed thee. By him instructed am I come, O Agni.
ákṣetravit kṣetravídaṃ hí áprāṭ sá prá eti kṣetravídā́nuśiṣṭaḥ | etád vaí bhadrám anuśā́sanasya utá srutíṃ vindati añjasī́nām ||
7 The stranger asks the way of him who knows it: taught by the skilful guide he travels onward. This is, in truth, the blessing of instruction: he finds the path that leads directly forward.
adyéd u prā́ṇīd ámamann imā́hā ápīvr̥to adhayan mātúr ū́dhaḥ | ém enam āpa jarimā́ yúvānam áheḷan vásuḥ sumánā babhūva ||
8 Even now he breathed: these days hath he remembered. Concealed, he sucked the bosom of his Mother. Yet in his youth old age hath come upon him: he hath grown gracious, good, and free from anger.
etā́ni bhadrā́ kalaśa kriyāma kúruśravaṇa dádato maghā́ni | dāná íd vo maghavānaḥ só astu ayáṃ ca sómo hr̥dí yám bíbharmi ||
9 O Kalasa, all these blessings will we bring them, O Kurusravana, who give rich presents. May he, O wealthy princes, and this Soma which I am bearing in my heart, reward you.
1 THE urgings of the people have impelled me, and by, the nearest way I bring you Pūṣan. The Universal Gods have brought me safely. The cry was heard, Behold, Dubsasu cometh!
sám mā tapanti abhítaḥ sapátnīr iva párśavaḥ | ní bādhate ámatir nagnátā jásur vér ná vevīyate matíḥ ||
2 The ribs that compass me give pain and trouble me like rival wives. Indigence, nakedness, exhaustion press me sore: my mind is fluttering like a bird's.
mū́ṣo ná śiśnā́ ví adanti mādhíya stotā́raṃ te śatakrato | sakŕ̥t sú no maghavann indra mr̥̄ḷaya+ ádhā pitéva no bhava ||
3 As rats eat weavers' threads, cares are consuming me, thy singer, gatakratu, me. Have mercy on us once, O Indra, Bounteous Lord: be thou a Father unto us.
1 SPRUNG from tall trees on windy heights, these rollers transport me as they turn upon the table. Dearer to me the die that never slumbers than the deep draught of Mujavan's own Soma.
ná mā mimetha ná jihīḷa eṣā́ śivā́ sákhibhya utá máhyam āsīt | akṣásyāhám ekaparásya hetór ánuvratām ápa jāyā́m arodham ||
2 She never vexed me nor was angry with me, but to my friends and me was ever gracious. For the die's sake, whose single point is final, mine own devoted wife I alienated.
3 My wife holds me aloof, her mother hates me: the wretched man finds none to give him comfort. As of a costly horse grown old and feeble, I find not any profit of the gamester.
anyé jāyā́m pári mr̥śanti asya yásyā́gr̥dhad védane vājī́ akṣáḥ | pitā́ mātā́ bhrā́tara enam āhur ná jānīmo náyatā baddhám etám ||
4 Others caress the wife of him whose riches the die hath coveted, that rapid courser: Of him speak father, mother, brothers saying, We know him not: bind him and take him with you.
yád ādī́dhye ná daviṣāṇi ebhiḥ parāyádbhyo áva hīye sákhibhyaḥ | níuptāś ca babhrávo vā́cam ákratam̐ émī́d eṣāṃ niṣkr̥táṃ jāríṇīva ||
5 When I resolve to play with these no longer, my friends depart from me and leave me lonely. When the brown dice, thrown on the board, have rattled, like a fond girl I seek the place of meeting.
sabhā́m eti kitaváḥ pr̥chámāno jeṣyā́mī́ti tanúvā śū́śujānaḥ | akṣā́so asya ví tiranti kā́mam pratidī́vne dádhata ā́ kr̥tā́ni ||
6 The gamester seeks the gambling-house, and wonders, his body all afire, Shall I be lucky? Still do the dice extend his eager longing, staking his gains against his adversary.
7 Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe. They give frail gifts and then destroy the man who wins, thickly anointed with the player's fairest good.
8 Merrily sports their troop, the three-and-fifty, like Savitar the God whose ways are faithful. They bend not even to the mighty's anger: the King himself pays homage and reveres them.
9 Downward they roll, and then spring quickly upward, and, handless, force the man with hands to serve them. Cast on the board, like lumps of magic charcoal, though cold themselves they burn the heart to ashes.
10 The gambler's wife is left forlorn and wretched: the mother mourns the son who wanders homeless. In constant fear, in debt, and seeking riches, he goes by night unto the home of others.
11 Sad is the gambler when he sees a matron, another's wife, and his well-ordered dwelling. He yokes the brown steeds in the early morning, and when the fire is cold sinks down an outcast.
12 To the great captain of your mighty army, who hath become the host's imperial leader, To him I show my ten extended fingers: I speak the truth. No wealth am I withholding.
13 Play not with dice: no, cultivate thy corn-land. Enjoy the gain, and deem that wealth sufficient. There are thy cattle there thy wife, O gambler. So this good Savitar himself hath told me.
mitráṃ kr̥ṇudhvaṃ khálu mr̥̄ḷátā+ no mā́ no ghoréṇa caratābhí dhr̥ṣṇú | ní vo nú manyúr viśatām árātir anyó babhrūṇā́m prásitau nú astu ||
14 Make me your friend: show us some little mercy. Assail us not with your terrific fierceness. Appeased be your malignity and anger, and let the brown dice snare some other captive.
1 THESE fires associate with Indra are awake, bringing their light when first the Dawn begins to shine. May Heaven and Earth, great Pair, observe our holy work. We claim for us this day the favour of the Gods.
2 Yea, for ourselves we claim the grace of Heaven and Earth, of Śaryaṇāvān, of the Hills and Mother Streams. For innocence we pray to Sūrya and to Dawn. So may the flowing Soma bring us bliss to-day.
3 May the great Twain, the Mothers, Heaven and Earth, this day preserve us free from sin for peace and happiness. May Morning sending forth her light drive sin afar. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity.
4 May this first Dawn bring us the host of gracious Gods: rich, may it richly shine for us who strive for wealth. The wrath of the malignant may we keep afar. We pray to kindled Agni for feilicity.
5 Dawns, who come forward with the bright beams of the Sun, and at your earliest flushing bring to us the light, Shine ye on us to-day auspicious, for renown. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity.
6 Free from all sickness may the Mornings come to us, and let our fires mount upward with a lofty blaze. The Aśvin Pair have harnessed their swift-moving car. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity.
7 Send us to-day a portion choice and excellent, O Savitar, for thou art he who dealeth wealth. I cry to Dhiṣaṇā, Mother of opulence. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity.
8 Further me this declaring of Eternal Law, the Law of Gods, as we mortals acknowledge it! The Sun goes up beholding all the rays of morn. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity.
9 This day we pray with innocence in strewing grass, adjusting pressing-stones, and perfecting the hymn. Thou in the Ādityas’ keeping movest restlessly. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity.
10 To our great holy grass I bid the Gods at morn to banquet, and will seat them as the seven priests, —Varuṇa, Indra, Mitra, Bhaga for our gain. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity.
tá ādityā ā́ gatā sarvátātaye vr̥dhé no yajñám avatā sajoṣasaḥ | bŕ̥haspátim pūṣáṇam aśvínā bhágaṃ suastí agníṃ samidhānám īmahe ||
11 Come hither, O Ādityas, for our perfect weal: accordant help our sacrifice that we may thrive. Pūṣan, Bṛhaspati, Bhaga, both Aśvins, and enkindled Agni we implore for happiness.
tán no devā yachata supravācanáṃ chardír ādityāḥ subháraṃ nr̥pā́yiyam | páśve tokā́ya tánayāya jīváse suastí agníṃ samidhānám īmahe ||
12 Ādityas, Gods, vouchsafe that this our home may be praise-worthy, prosperous, our heroes' sure defence, For cattle, for our sons, for progeny, for life. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity.
13 This day may all the Maruts, all he near us with aid: may all our fires be well enkindled. May all Gods come to us with gracious favour. May spoil and wealth he ours, and all possessions.
yáṃ devāso ávatha vā́jasātau yáṃ trā́yadhve yám pipr̥thā́ti áṃhaḥ | yó vo gopīthé ná bhayásya véda té syāma devávītaye turāsaḥ ||
14 He whom ye aid, O Deities, in battle, whom ye protect and rescue from affliction, Who fears no danger at your milk-libation, -such may we be to feast the Gods, ye Mighty.
1 THERE are the Dawn and Night, the grand and beauteous Pair, Earth, Heaven, and Varuṇa, Mitra, and Aryaman. Indra I call, the Maruts, Mountains, and the Floods, Ādityas, Heaven and Earth, the Waters, and the Sky.
diyaúś ca naḥ pr̥thivī́ ca prácetasa r̥tā́varī rakṣatām áṃhaso riṣáḥ | mā́ durvidátrā nírr̥tir na īśata tád devā́nām ávo adyā́ vr̥ṇīmahe ||
2 May Dyaus and Prthivi, wise, true to Holy Law, keep us in safety from distress and injury. Let not malignant Nirrti rule over us. We crave to-day this gracious favour of the Gods.
3 Mother of Mitra and of opulent Varuṇa, may Aditi preserve us safe from all distress. May we obtain the light of heaven without a foe. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day.
4 May ringing press-stones keep the Rākṣasas afar, ill dream, and Nirrti, and each voracious fiend. May the Ādityas and the Maruts shelter us. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day.
5 Full flow libations; on our grass let Indra sit; Bṛhaspati the singer laud with Sāma hymns! Wise be our hearts' imaginings that we may live. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day.
6 Ye Aśvins, make our sacrifice ascend to heaven, and animate the rite that it may send us bliss, Offered with holy oil, with forward-speeding rein. We crave the gracious favour of the Gods to-day.
7 Hither I call the band of Maruts, swift to hear, great, purifying, bringing bliss, to he our Friends. May we increase our wealth to glorify our name. We crave this graciousfavour of the Gods to-day.
8 We bring the Stay of Life, who makes the waters swell, swift-hearing, Friend of Gods, who waits on sacrifice. May we control that Power, Soma whose rays are bright. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day.
9 Alive ourselves, with living sons, devoid of guilt, may we win this with winners by fair means to win. Let the prayer-haters bear our sin to every side. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day.
10 Hear us, O ye who claim the worship of mankind, and give us, O ye Gods, the gift for which we pray, Victorious wisdom, fame with heroes and with wealth. We crave to-day this gracious favour of the Gods.
11 We crave the gracious favour of the Gods to-day, great favour of great Gods, sublime and free from foes, That we may gain rich treasure sprung from hero sons. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day.
12 In great enkindled Agni's keeping, and, for bliss, free from all sin before Mitra and Varuṇa. May we share Savitar's best animating help. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day.
13 All ye, the Gods whom Savitar the Father of truth, and Varuṇa and Mitra govern, Give us prosperity with hero children, and opulence in kine and various treasure.
14 Savitar, Savitar from cast and westward, Savitar, Savitar from north and southward, Savitar send us perfect health and comfort, Savitar let our days of life be lengthened!
1 Do homage unto Varuṇa's and Mitra's Eye: offer this solemn worship to the Mighty God, Who seeth far away, the Ensign, born of Gods. Sing praises unto Sūrya, to the Son of Dyaus.
sā́ mā satyóktiḥ pári pātu viśváto dyā́vā ca yátra tatánann áhāni ca | víśvam anyán ní viśate yád éjati viśvā́hā́po viśvā́hód eti sū́riyaḥ ||
2 May this my truthful speech guard me on every side wherever heaven and earth and days are spread abroad. All else that is in motion finds a place of rest: the waters ever flow and ever mounts the Sun.
ná te ádevaḥ pradívo ní vāsate yád etaśébhiḥ pataraí ratharyási | prācī́nam anyád ánu vartate rája úd anyéna jyótiṣā yāsi sūriya ||
3 No godless man from time remotest draws thee down when thou art driving forth with winged dappled Steeds. One lustre waits upon thee moving to the cast, and, Sūrya, thou arisest with a different light.
4 O Sūrya, with the light whereby thou scatterest gloom, and with thy ray impellest every moving thing, Keep far from us all feeble, worthless sacrifice, and drive away disease and every evil dream.
5 Sent forth thou guardest well the Universe's law, and in thy wonted way arisest free from wrath. When Sūrya, we address our prayers to thee to-day, may the Gods favour this our purpose and desire.
táṃ no dyā́vāpr̥thivī́ tán na ā́pa índraḥ śr̥ṇvantu marúto hávaṃ vácaḥ | mā́ śū́ne bhūma sū́riyasya saṃdŕ̥śi bhadráṃ jī́vanto jaraṇā́m aśīmahi ||
6 This invocation, these our words may Heaven and Earth, and Indra and the Waters and the Maruts hear. Ne’er may we suffer want in presence of the Sun, and, living happy lives, may we attain old age.
7 Cheerful in spirit, evermore, and keen of sight, with store of children, free from sickness and from sin, Long-living, may we look, O Sūrya, upon thee uprising day by day, thou great as Mitra is!
8 Sūrya, may we live long and look upon thee still, thee, O Far-seeing One, bringing the glorious light, The radiant God, the spring of joy to every eye, as thou art mounting up o’er the high shining flood.
yásya te víśvā bhúvanāni ketúnā prá cérate ní ca viśánte aktúbhiḥ | anāgāstvéna harikeśa sūriya áhnāhnā no vásyasā-vasyasód ihi ||
9 Thou by whose lustre all the world of life comes forth, and by thy beams again returns unto its rest, O Sūrya with the golden hair, ascend for us day after day, still bringing purer innocence.
10 Bless us with shine, bless us with perfect daylight, bless us with cold, with fervent heat and lustre. Bestow on us, O Sūrya, varied riches, to bless us in our home and when we travel.
11 Gods, to our living creatures of both kinds vouchsafe protection, both to bipeds and to quadrupeds, That they may drink and eat invigorating food. So grant us health and strength and perfect innocence.
yád vo devāś cakr̥má jihváyā gurú mánaso vā práyutī devahéḷanam | árāvā yó no abhí duchunāyáte tásmin tád éno vasavo ní dhetana ||
12 If by some grievous sin we have provoked the Gods, O Deities, with the tongue or thoughtlessness of heart, That guilt, O Vasus, lay upon the Evil One, on him who ever leads us into deep distress.
1 O INDRA, in this battle great and glorious, in this loud din of war help us to victory, Where in the strife for kine among bold ring-decked men arrows fly all around and heroes are subdued.
2 At home disclose to us opulence rich in food, streaming with milk, O Indra, meet to be renowned. Śakra, may we be thine, the friendly Conqueror's: even as we desire, O Vasu, so do thou.
3 The godless man, much-lauded Indra, whether he be Dāsa or be Ārya, who would war with us, —Easy to conquer he for thee, with us, these foes: with thee may we subdue them in the clash of fight.
4 Him who must be invoked by many and by few, who standeth nigh with comfort in the war of men, Indra, famed Hero, winner in the deadly strife, let us bring hitherward to-day to favour us.
5 For, Indra, I have heard thee called Self. capturer, One, Steer! who never yields, who urges even the churl. Release thyself from Kutsa and come hither. How shall one like thee sit still bound that he may not move?
1 As ’twere the name of father, easy to invoke, we all assembled here invoke this Car of yours, Aśvins, your swiftly-rolling circumambient Car which he who worships must invoke at eve and dawn.
codáyataṃ sūnŕ̥tāḥ pínvataṃ dhíya út púraṃdhīr īrayataṃ tád uśmasi | yaśásam bhāgáṃ kr̥ṇutaṃ no aśvinā sómaṃ ná cā́rum maghávatsu nas kr̥tam ||
2 Awake all pleasant strains and let the hymns flow forth: raise up abundant fulness: this is our desire. Aśvins, bestow on us a glorious heritage, and give our princes treasure fair as Soma is.
3 Ye are the bliss of her who groweth old at home, and helpers of the slow although he linger last. Men call you too, Nāsatyas, healers of the blind, the thin and feeble, and the man with broken bones.
4 Ye made Cyavāna, weak and worn with length of days, young again, like a car, that he had power to move. Ye lifted up the son of Tugra from the floods. At our libations must all these your acts be praised.
5 We will declare among the folk your ancient deeds heroic; yea, ye were Physicians bringing health. You, you who must be lauded, will we bring for aid, so that this foe of ours, O Aśvins, may believe.
6 Listen to me, O Aśvins; I have cried to you. Give me-your aid as sire and mother aid their son. Poor, without kin or friend or ties of blood am I. Save me before it be too late, from this my curse.
7 Ye, mounted on your chariot brought to Vimada the comely maid of Purumitra as a bride. Ye, came unto the calling of the weakling's dame, and granted noble offspring to the happy wife.
8 Ye gave a ain the vigour of his youthful life to tge sage Kali when old age was coming nigh. Ye rescued Vandana and raised him from the pit, and in a moment gave Viśpalā power to move.
9 Ye Aśvins Twain, endowed with manly strength, brought forth Reblia when hidden in the cave and well-nigh dead, Freed Saptavadliri, and for Atri caused the pit heated with fire to be a pleasant resting-place.
yuváṃ śvetám pedáve aśvinā́śuvaṃ navábhir vā́jair navatī́ ca vājínam | carkŕ̥tiyaṃ dadathur drāvayátsakham bhágaṃ ná nŕ̥bhyo háviyam mayobhúvam ||
10 On Pedu ye bestowed, Aśvins, a courser white, mighty with nine-and-ninety varied gifts of strength, A horse to be renowned, who bore his friend at speed, joy-giving, Bhaga-like to be invoked of men.
11 From no side, ye Two Kings whom none may check or stay, doth grief, distress, or danger come u on the man Whom, Aśvins swift to hear, borne on your glowing path, ye with your Consort make the foremost in the race.
12 Come on that Chariot which the Ṛbhus wrought for you, the Chariot, Aśvins, that is speedier than thought, At harnessing whereof Heaven's Daughter springs to birth, and from Vivasvān come auspicious Night and Day.
13 Come, Conquerors of the sundered mountain, to our home, Aśvins who made the cow stream milk for Śayu's sake, Ye who delivered even from the wolf's deep throat and set again at liberty the swallowed quail.
etáṃ vāṃ stómam aśvināv akarma átakṣāma · bhŕ̥gavo ná rátham | ní amr̥kṣāma yóṣaṇāṃ ná márye nítyaṃ ná sūnúṃ tánayaṃ dádhānāḥ ||
14 We have prepared this laud for you, O Aśvins, and, like the Bhṛgus, as a car have framed it, Have decked it as a maid to meet the bridegroom, and brought it as a son, our stay for ever.
10,40 Aśvins
10.XL Aśvins
ráthaṃ yã́ntaṃ kúha kó ha vāṃ narā práti dyumántaṃ suvitā́ya bhūṣati | prātaryā́vāṇaṃ vibhúvaṃ viśé-viśe vástor-vastor váhamānaṃ dhiyā́ śámi ||
1 YOUR radiant Chariot-whither goes it on its way? -who decks it for you, Heroes, for its happy course, Starting at daybreak, visiting each morning every house, borne hitherward through prayer unto the sacrifice?
2 Where are ye, Aśvins, in the evening, where at morn? Where is your haltingplace, where rest ye for the night? Who brings you homeward, as the widow bedward draws her husband's brother, as the bride attracts the groom?
3 Early ye sing forth praise as with a herald's voice, and, meet for worship, go each morning to the house. Whom do ye ever bring to ruin? Unto whose libations come ye, Heroes, like two Sons of Kings?
4 Even as hunters follow two wild elephants, we with oblations call you down at morn and eve. To folk who pay you offierings at appointed times, Chiefs, Lords of splendour, ye bring food to strengthen them.
5 To you, O Aśvins, came the daughter of a King, Ghoṣā, and said, O Heroes, this I beg of you: Be near me in the day, he near me in the night: help me to gain a car-borne chieftain rich in steeds.
yuváṃ kavī́ ṣṭhaḥ pári aśvinā ráthaṃ víśo ná kútso jaritúr naśāyathaḥ | yuvór ha mákṣā pári aśvinā mádhu āsā́ bharata niṣkr̥táṃ ná yóṣaṇā ||
6 O Aśvins, ye are wise: as Kutsa comes to men, bring your car nigh the folk of him who sings your praise. The bee, O Aśvins, bears your honey in her mouth, as the maid carries it purified in her hand.
7 To Bhujyu and to Vaśa ye come near with help, O Aśvins, to Sinjara and to Uśanā. Your worshipper secures your friendship for himself. Through your protection I desire felicity.
8 Krsa and Śayu ye protect, ye Aśvins Twain: ye Two assist the widow and the worshipper; And ye throw open, Aśvins, unto those who win the cattle-stall that thunders with its serenfold mouth.
9 The Woman hath brought forth, the Infant hath appeared, the plants of wondrous beauty straightway have sprung up. To him the rivers run as down a deep descent, and he this day becomes their master and their lord.
10 They mourn the living, cry aloud, at sacrifice: the men have set their thoughts upon a distant cast. A lovely thing for fathers who have gathered here, —a joy to husbands, —are the wives their arms shall clasp
ná tásya vidma tád u ṣú prá vocata yúvā ha yád yuvatyā́ḥ kṣéti yóniṣu | priyósriyasya vr̥ṣabhásya retíno gr̥háṃ gamema aśvinā tád uśmasi ||
11 Of this we have no knowledge. Tall it forth to us, now the youth rests within the chambers of the bride. Fain would we reach the dwelling of the vigorous Steer who loves the kine, O Aśvins: this is our desire.
12 Your favouring grace hath come, ye Lords of ample wealth: Aśvins, our longings are stored up within your hearts. Ye, Lords of splendour, have become our twofold guard: may we as welcome friends reach Aryaman's abode.
13 Even so, rejoicing in the dwelling-place of man, give hero sons and riches to the eloquent. Make a ford, Lords of splendour, where men well may drink: remove the spiteful tree-stump standing in the path.
14 O Aśvins, Wonder-Workers, Lords of lustre, where and with what folk do ye delight yourselves to-day? Who hath detained them with him? Whither are they gone? Unto what sage's or what worshipper's abode?
1 THAT general Car of yours, invoked by many a man, that comes to our libations, three-wheeled, meet for lauds, That circumambient Car, worthy of sacrifice, we call with our pure hymns at earliest flush of dawn.
2 Ye, O Nāsatyas, mount that early-harnessed Car, that travels early, laden with its freight of balm, Wherewith ye, Heroes, visit clans who sacrifice, even the poor man's worship where the priest attends.
3 If to the deft Adhvaryu with the meath in hand, or to the Kindler firm in strength, the household friend, Or to the sage's poured libations ye approach, come thence, O Aśvins, now to drink the offered meath.
1 EVEN as an archer shoots afar his arrow, offer the laud to him with meet adornment. Quell with your voice the wicked's voice, O sages. Singer, make Indra rest beside the Soma.
2 Draw thy Friend to thee like a cow at milking: O Singer, wake up Indra as a lover. Make thou the Hero haste to give us riches even as a vessel filled brimful with treasure.
3 Why, Maghavan, do they call thee Bounteous; Giver? Quicken me: thou, I hear, art he who quickens. Śakra, let my intelligence be active, and bring us luck that finds great wealth, O Indra.
4 Standing, in battle for their rights, together, the people, Indra, in the fray invoke thee. Him who brings gifts the Hero makes his comrade: with him who pours no juice he seeks not friendship.
5 Whoso with plenteous food for him expresses strong Somas as much quickly-coming treasure, For him he overthrows in early morning his swift well-weaponed foes, and slays the tyrant.
6 He unto whom we offer praises, Indra, Maghavan, who hath joined to ours his wishes, —Before him even afar the foe must tremble: low before him must bow all human glories.
7 With thy fierce bolt, O God invoked of many, drive to a distance from afar the foeman. O Indra, give us wealth in corn and cattle, and make thy singer's prayer gain strength and riches.
8 Indra, the swallower of strong libations rich in the boons they bring, the potent Somas, He, Maghavan, will not restrict his bounty he brings much wealth unto the Soma-presser.
9 Yea, by superior play he wins advantage, when he, a gambler, piles his gains in season. Celestial-natured, he o’erwhelms with riches the devotee who keeps not back his treasure.
10 O Much-invoked, may we subdue all famine and evil want with store of grain and cattle. May we allied, as first in rank, with princes obtain possessions by our own exertion.
11 Bṛhaspati protect us from the rearward, and from above, and from below, from sinners! May Indra from the front, and from the centre, as Friend to friends, vouchsafe us room and freedom.
1 IN perfect unison all yearning hymns of mine that find the light of heaven have sung forth Indra's praise. As wives embrace their lord, the comely bridegroom, so they compass Maghavan about that he may help.
ná ghā tuvadríg ápa veti me mánas tuvé ít kā́mam puruhūta śiśraya | rā́jeva dasma ní ṣadó 'dhi barhíṣi asmín sú sóme avapā́nam astu te ||
2 Directed unto thee my spirit never strays, for I have set my hopes on thee, O Much-invoked! Sit, Wonderful! as King upon the sacred grass, and let thy drinking-place be by the Soma juice.
3 From indigence and hunger Indra turns away: Maghavan hath dominion over precious wealth. These the Seven Rivers flowing on their downward path increase the vital vigour of the potent Steer.
4 As on the fair-leafed tree rest birds, to Indra flow the gladdening Soma juices that the bowls contain. Their face that glows with splendour through their mighty power hath found the shine of heaven for man, the Āryas' light.
kr̥táṃ ná śvaghnī́ ví cinoti dévane saṃvárgaṃ yán maghávā sū́riyaṃ jáyat | ná tát te anyó ánu vīríyaṃ śakan ná purāṇó maghavan nótá nū́tanaḥ ||
5 As in the game a gambler piles his winnings, so Maghavan, sweeping all together, gained the Sun This mighty deed of thine none other could achieve, none, Maghavan, before thee, none in recent time.
6 Maghavan came by turns to all the tribes of men: the Steer took notice of the people's songs of praise. The man in whose libations Śakra hath delight by means of potent Somas vanquisheth his foes.
ā́po ná síndhum abhí yát samákṣaran sómāsa índraṃ kuliyā́ iva hradám | várdhanti víprā máho asya sā́dane yávaṃ ná vr̥ṣṭír diviyéna dā́nunā ||
7 When Soma streams together unto Indra flow like waters to the river, rivulets to the lake, In place of sacrifice sages exalt his might, as the rain swells the corn by moisture sent from heaven.
8 He rushes through the region like a furious Bull, he who hath made these floods the dames of worthy lords. This Maghavan hath found light for the man who brings oblation, sheds the juice, and promptly pours his gifts.
9 Let the keen axe come forth together with the light: here be, . as erst, the teeming cow of sacrifice. Let the Red God shine bright with his refulgent ray, and let the Lord of heroes glow like heaven's clear sheen.
10 O Much-invoked, may we subdue all famine and evil want with store of grain and cattle. May we allied, as first in rank, with princes obtain possessions by our own exertion.
11 Bṛhaspati protect us from the rearward, and from above, and from below, from sinners. May Indra from the front, and from the centre, as Friend to friends, vouchsafe us room and freedom.
1 MAY Sovran Indra come to the carousal, he who by Holy Law is strong and active, The overcomer of all conquering forces with his great steer-like power that hath no limit.
suṣṭhā́mā ráthaḥ suyámā hárī te mimyákṣa vájro nr̥pate gábhastau | śī́bhaṃ rājan supáthā́ yāhi arvā́ṅ várdhāma te papúṣo vŕ̥ṣṇiyāni ||
2 Firm-seated is thy car, thy Steeds are docile; thy hand, O King, holds, firmly grasped, the thunder. On thy fair path, O Lord of men, come quickly: we will increase thy powers when thou hast drunken.
3 Let strong and mighty Steeds who bear this Mighty Indra, the Lord of men, whose arm wields thunder, Bring unto us, as sharers of our banquet, the Steer of conquering might, of real vigour.
4 So like a Bull thou rushest to the Lord who loves the trough, the Sage, the prop of vigour, in the vat, Prepare thine energies, collect them in thyself: be for our profit as the Master of the wise.
5 May precious treasures come to us-so will I pray. Come to the votary's gift offered with beauteous laud. Thou art the Lord, as such sit on this holy grass: thy vessels are inviolate as Law commands.
pŕ̥thak prā́yan prathamā́ deváhūtayo ákr̥ṇvata śravasíyāni duṣṭárā | ná yé śekúr yajñíyāṃ nā́vam ārúham īrmaívá té ní aviśanta képayaḥ ||
6 Far went our earlist invocation of the Gods, and won us glories that can never be surpassed. They who could not ascend the ship of sacrifice, sink down in desolation, trembling with alarm.
7 So be the others, evil-hearted, far away, whose horses, difficult to harness, have been yoked. Here in advance men stand anear to offer gifts, by whom full many a work that brings reward is done.
8 He firmly fixed the plains and mountains as they shook. Dyaus thundered forth and made the air's mid-region quake. He stays apart the two confronting bowls; he sings lauds in the potent Soma's joy when he hath drunk.
imám bibharmi súkr̥taṃ te aṅkuśáṃ yénārujā́si maghavañ chaphārújaḥ | asmín sú te sávane astu okíyaṃ sutá iṣṭaú maghavan bodhi ā́bhagaḥ ||
9 I bear this deftly-fashioned goad of thine, wherewith thou, Maghavan, shalt break the strikers with the hoof. At this libation mayst thou be well satisfied. Partake the juice, partake the worship, Maghavan.
10 O Much-invoked, may we subdue all famine and evil want with store of grain and cattle. May we allied, as first in rank, with princes obtain possessions by our own exertion.
11 Bṛhaspati protect us from the rearward, and from above, and from below, from sinners. May Indra from the front and from the centre, as Friend to friends, vouchsafe us room and freedom.
1 FIRST Agni sprang to life from out of Heaven: the second time from us came Jātavedas. Thirdly the Manly-souled was in the waters. The pious lauds and kindles him the Eternal.
vidmā́ te agne trẽdhā́ trayā́ṇi vidmā́ te dhā́ma víbhr̥tā purutrā́ | vidmā́ te nā́ma paramáṃ gúhā yád vidmā́ tám útsaṃ yáta ājagántha ||
2 Agni, we know thy three powers in three stations, we know thy forms in many a place divided. We know what name supreme thou hast in secret: we know the source from which thou hast proceeded.
3 The Manly-souled lit thee in sea and waters, man's Viewer lit thee in the breast of heaven, There as thou stoodest in the third high region the Steers increased thee in the water's bosom.
4 Agni roared out, like Dyaus what time he thunders: he licked the ground about the plants he flickered. At once, when born, he looked around enkindled, and lightened heaven and earth within with splendour.
5 The spring of glories and support of riches, rouser of thoughts and guardian of the Soma, Good Son of Strength, a King amid the waters, in forefront of the Dawns he shines enkindled.
6 Germ of the world, ensign of all creation, be sprang to life and filled the earth and heavens. Even the firm rock he cleft when passing over, when the Five Tribes brought sacrifice to Agni.
7 So among mortals was Immortal Agni stablished as holy wise and willing envoy. He waves the red smoke that he lifts above him, striving to reach the heavens with radiant lustre.
8 Like gold to look on, far he shone refulgent, beaming imperishable life for glory, Agni by vital powers became immortal when his prolific Father Dyaus begat him.
9 Whoso this day, O God whose flames are lovely, prepares a cake, O Agni, mixt with butter, Lead thou and further him to higher fortune, to bliss bestowed by Gods, O thou Most Youthful.
10 Endow him, Agni, with a share of glory, at every song of praise sung forth enrich him. Dear let him be to Sūrya, dear to Agni, preeminent with son and children's children.
11 While, Agni, day by day men pay thee worship they win themselves all treasures worth the wishing. Allied with thee, eager and craving riches, they have disclosed the stable filled with cattle.
12 Agni, the Friend of men, the Soma's keeper, Vaiśvānara, hath been lauded by the Ṛṣis. We will invoke benignant Earth and Heaven: ye Deities, give us wealth with hero children.
1 STABLISHED for thee, to lend thee vital forces, Giver of wealth, Guard of his servant's body. The Great Priest, born, who knows the clouds, Abider with men, is seated in the lap of waters.
2 Worshipping, seeking him with adoration like some lost creature followed by its footprints, Wise Bhṛgus, yearning in their hearts, pursued him, and found him lurking where the floods are gathered.
3 On the Cow's forehead, with laborious searching, Trita, the offspring of Vibhiavas, found him. Born in our houses, Youthful, joy-bestower, he now becomes the central point of brightness.
4 Yearning, with homage, they have set and made him blithe Priest among mankind, oblation-bearer, Leader of rites and Purifier, envoy of men, as sacrifice that still advances.
5 The foolish brought the ne’er-bewildered forward, great, Victor, Song-inspirer, Fort-destroyer. Leading the Youth gold-bearded, like a courser gleaming with wealth, they turned their hymn to profit.
6 Holding his station firmly in the houses, Trita sat down within his home surrounded Thence, as Law bids, departs the Tribes' Companion having collected men with no compulsion.
7 His are the fires, eternal, purifying, that make the houses move, whose smoke is shining, White, waxing in their strength, for ever stirring, and sitting in the wood; like winds are Somas.
8 The tongue of Agni bears away the praisesong, and, through his care for Earth, her operations. Him, bright and radiant, living men have stablished as their blithe Priest, the Chief of Sacrificers.
9 That Agni, him whom Heaven and Earth engendered, the Waters. Tvaṣṭar, and with might, the Bhṛgus, Him Mātariśvan and the Gods have fashioned holy for man and first to be entreated.
10 Agni, whom Gods have made oblationbearer, and much-desiring men regard as holy, Give life to him who lauds thee when he worships, and then shall glorious men in troops adore thee.
1 THY right hand have we grasped in ours, O Indra, longing for treasure, Treasure-Lord of treasures! Because we know thee, Hero, Lord of cattle: vouchsafe us mighty and resplendent riches.
2 Wealth, fully armed, good guard and kind protector, sprung from four seas, the prop and stay of treasures, Fraught with great bounties, meet for praise and glory; vouchsafe us mighty and resplendent riches.
3 Wealth, with good Brahmans, Indra! God-attended, high, wide, and deep, arid based on broad foundations, Strong, with famed Ṛṣis, conquering our foemen: vouchsafe us mighty and resplendent riches.
4 Victorious, winning strength, with hero sages, confirmed in power, most useful, wealth-attracting, True, Indra! crushing forts and slaying Dasyus: vouchsafe us mighty and resplendent riches.
5 Wealthy in heroes and in cars and horses, strength hundredfold and thousandfold, O Indra, With manly sages, happy troops, Iight-winning: vouchsafe us mighty and resplentdent riches.
6 To Saptagu the sage, the holy-minded, to him, Bṛhaspati, the song approaches, Aṅgiras' Son who must be met with homage: vouchsafe us mighty and reslendent riches.
7 My lauds, like envoys, craving loving-kindness, go forth to Indra with their strong entreaty, Moving his heart and uttered by my spirit: vouchsafe us mighty and resplendent riches.
8 Grant us the boon for which I pray, O Indra, a spacious home unmatched among the people. To this may Heaven and Earth accord approval: vouchsafe us mighty and resplendent riches.
1 I WAS the first possessor of all precious gear: the wealth of every man I win and gather up. On me as on a Father living creatures call; I deal enjoyment to tho. man who offers gifts.
2 I, Indra, am Atharvan's stay and firm support: I brought forth kine to Trita from the Dragon's grasp. I stripped the Dasyus of their manly might, and gave the cattle-stalls to Matarigvan and Dadhyac.
3 For me hath Tvaṣṭar forged the iron thunderbolt: in me the Gods have centred intellectual power. My sheen is like the Sun's insufferably bright: men honour me as Lord for past and future deeds.
4 I won myself these herdi of cattle, steeds and kine, and gold in ample store, with my destructive bolt. I give full many a thousand to the worshipper, what time the Somas and the lauds have made me glad.
ahám índro ná párā jigya íd dhánaṃ ná mr̥tyáve áva tasthe kádā caná | sómam ín mā sunvánto yācatā vásu ná me pūravaḥ sakhiyé riṣāthana ||
5 Indra am I none ever wins my wealth from me never at any time am I a thrall to death. Pressing the Soma, ask riches from me alone: ye, Pūrus, in my friendship shall not suffer harm.
6 These, breathing loud in fury, two and two, who caused Indra to bring his bolt of thunder to the fray, The challengers, I struck with deadly weapon down: firm stand what words the God speaks to his worshippers.
7 This One by stronger might I conquered singly; yea, also two: shall three prevail against me? Like many sheaves upon the floor I thrash them. How can my foes, the Indraless, revile me?
8 Against the Gungus I made Atithigva strong, and kept him mid the folk like Vṛtra-conquering strength, When I won glory in the great foe-slaying fight, in battle where Karanja fell, and Parṇaya.
prá me námī sāpyá iṣé bhujé bhũd gávām éṣe sakhiyā́ kr̥ṇuta dvitā́ | didyúṃ yád asya samithéṣu maṃháyam ā́d íd enaṃ śáṃsiyam ukthíyaṃ karam ||
9 With food for mine enjoyment Sapya Nami came: he joined me as a friend of old in search of kine. As I bestowed on him an arrow for the fight I made him worthy of the song apd hymn of praise.
10 One of the two hath Soma, seen within it; the Herdsman with the bone shows forth the other. He, fain to fight the Bull whose horns were sharpened, stood fettered in the demon's ample region.
ādityā́nāṃ vásūnāṃ rudríyāṇāṃ devó devā́nāṃ ná mināmi dhā́ma | té mā bhadrā́ya śávase tatakṣur áparājitam ástr̥tam áṣāḷham ||
11 I, as a God, ne’er violate the statutes of Gods, of Vasus, Rudriyas, Ādityas. These Gods have formed me for auspicious vigour, unconquered and invincible for ever.
1 I HAVE enriched the singer with surpassing wealth; I have allowed the holy hymn to strengthen me. I, furtherer of him who offers sacrifice, have conquered in each fight the men who worship not.
mã́ṃ dhur índaraṃ+ nā́ma devátā diváś ca gmáś ca apã́ṃ ca jantávaḥ | aháṃ hárī vŕ̥ṣaṇā vívratā raghū́ aháṃ vájraṃ śávase dhr̥ṣṇú ā́ dade ||
2 The People of the heavens, the waters, and the earth have stablished me among the Gods with Indra's name. I took unto myself the two swift vigorous Bays that speed on divers paths, and the fierce bolt for strength.
3 With deadly blows I smote Atka for Kavi's sake; I guarded Kutsa well with these saving helps. As Śuṣṇa's slayer I brandished the dart of death: I gave not up the Āryan name to Dasyu foes.
4 Smadibha, Tugra, and the Vetasus I gave as prey to Kutsa, father-like, to succour him. I was a worthy King to rule the worshipper, when I gave Tuji dear inviolable gifts.
5 I gave up Mṛgaya to Srutarvan as his prey because he ever followed me and kept my laws. For Āyu's sake I caused Veta to bend and bow, and into Savya's hand delivered Padgrbhi.
6 1, I crushed Navavāstva of the lofty car, the Dāsa, as the Vṛtra-slayer kills the fiends; When straightway on the region's farthest edge I brought the God who makes the lights to broaden and increase.
7 I travel round about borne onward in my might by the fleet-footed dappled Horses of the Sun. When man's libation calls me to the robe of state I soon repel the powerful Dasyu with my blows.
8 Stronger am I than Nabus, I who slew the seven: I glorified with might Yadu and Turvaga. I brought another low, with strength I bent his strength: I let the mighty nine-and-ninety wax in power.
9 Bull over all the streams that flow along the earth, I took the Seven Rivers as mine own domain. I, gifted with great wisdom, spread the floods abroad: by war I found for man the way to high success.
10 I set within these cows the white milk which no God, not even Tvaṣṭar's self, had there deposited, —Much-longed-for, in the breasts, the udders of the kine, the savoury sweets of meath, the milk and Soma juice.
11 Even thus hath Indra Maghavan, truly bounteous, sped Gods and men with mighty operation. The pious glorify all these thine exploits, Lord of Bay Coursers, Strong, and Selfresplendent.
10,50 Indra Vaikuntha
10.Vaikuntha L Indra
prá vo mahé mándamānāya ándhaso árcā viśvā́narāya viśvābhúve | índrasya yásya súmakhaṃ sáho máhi śrávo nr̥mṇáṃ ca ródasī saparyátaḥ ||
1 I LAUD your Mighty One who joyeth in the juice, him who is shared by all men, who created all; Indra, whose conquering strength is powerful in war, whose fame and manly vigour Heaven and Earth revere.
2 He with his friend is active, lauded, good to man, Indra who must be glorified by one like me. Hero, Lord of the brave, all cars are thy delight, warring with Vṛtra, or for waters, or for spoil.
ké té nára indara+ yé ta iṣé yé te sumnáṃ sadhaníyam íyakṣān | ké te vā́jāya asuryā̀ya hinvire ké apsú svā́su urvárāsu paúṃsiye ||
3 Who are the men whom thou wilt further, Indra, who strive to win thy bliss allied with riches? Who urged thee forward to exert thy power divine, to valour, in the war for waters on their fields?
4 Thou, Indra, through the holy prayer art mighty, worthy of sacrifice at all libations. In every fight thou castest heroes on the ground: thou art the noblest song, O Lord of all the folk.
ávā nú kaṃ jyā́yān yajñávanaso mahī́ṃ ta ómātrāṃ kr̥ṣṭáyo viduḥ | áso nú kam ajáro várdhāś ca víśvéd etā́ sávanā tūtumā́ kr̥ṣe ||
5 Help now, as Highest, those who toil at sacrifice: well do the people know thy great protecting might. Thou shalt be Everlasing, Giver of success yea, on all these libations thou bestowest strength.
6 All these libations thou makest effectual, of which thou art thyself supporter, Son of Power. Therefore thy vessel is to be esteemed the best, sacrifice, holy text, prayer, and exalted speech.
yé te vipra brahmakŕ̥taḥ suté sácā vásūnãṃ ca vásunaś ca dāváne | prá té sumnásya mánasā pathā́ bhuvan máde sutásya somiyásya ándhasaḥ ||
7 They who with flowing Soma pray to thee, O Sage, to pour on them thy gifts of opulence and wealth, May they come forward, through their spirit, on the path of bliss, in the wild joy of Soma juice effused.
1 LARGE was that covering, and firm of texture, folded wherein thou enteredst the waters. One Deity alone, O Jātavedas Agni, saw all thy forms in sundry places.
kó mā dadarśa katamáḥ sá devó yó me tanvò bahudhā́ paryápaśyat | kuvā́ha mitrāvaruṇā kṣiyanti agnér víśvāḥ samídho devayā́nīḥ ||
2 What God hath seen me? Who of all their number clearly beheld my forms in many places? Where lie, then, all the sacred logs of Agni that lead him God-ward, Varuṇa and Mitra?
3 In many places, Agni Jātavedas, we sought thee hidden in the plants and waters. Then Yama marked thee, God of wondrous splendour! effulgent from thy tenfold secret dwelling,
4 I fled in fear from sacrificial worship, Varuṇa, lest the Gods should thus engage me. Thus were my forms laid down in many places. This, as my goal, I Agni saw before me.
5 Come; man is pious and would fain do worship, he waits prepared: in gloom thou, Agni, dwellest. Make pathways leading God-ward clear and easy, and bear oblations with a kindly spirit.
6 This goal mine elder brothers erst selected, as he who drives a car the way to travel. So, Varuṇa, I fled afar through terror, as flies the wild-bull from an archer's bowstring.
kurmás ta ā́yur ajáraṃ yád agne yáthā yuktó jātavedo ná ríṣyāḥ | áthā vahāsi sumanasyámāno bhāgáṃ devébhyo havíṣaḥ sujāta ||
7 We give thee life unwasting, Jātavedas, so that, employed, thou never shalt be injured. So, nobly born! shalt thou with kindly spirit bear to the Gods their share of men's oblations.
prayājā́n me anuyājā́ṃś ca kévalān ū́rjasvantaṃ havíṣo datta bhāgám | ghr̥táṃ cāpā́m púruṣaṃ caúṣadhīnām agnéś ca dīrghám ā́yur astu devāḥ ||
8 Grant me the first oblations and the latter, entire, my forceful shares of holy presents, The soul of plants, the fatness of the waters, and let there be long life, ye Gods, to Agni.
táva prayājā́ anuyājā́ś ca kévala ū́rjasvanto havíṣaḥ santu bhāgā́ḥ | távāgne yajñó ayám astu sárvas túbhyaṃ namantām pradíśaś cátasraḥ ||
9 Thine be the first oblations and the latter, entire, thy forceful shares of holy presents. Let all this sacrifice be thine, O Agni, and let the world's four regions how before thee.
10,52 Gods
10.LII Gods
víśve devāḥ śāstána mā yáthehá hótā vr̥tó manávai yán niṣádya | prá me brūta bhāgadhéyaṃ yáthā vo yéna pathā́ havyám ā́ vo váhāni ||
1 INSTRUCT me, all ye Gods, how I, elected your Priest, must seat me here, and how address you. Instruct me how to deal to each his portion, and by what ' path to bring you man's oblation.
2 I sit as Priest most skilled in sacrificing: the Maruts and all Deities impel me. Aśvins, each day yours is the Adhvaryu's duty: Brahman and wood are here: ’tis yours to offer.
3 Who is the Priest? Is he the Priest of Yama? On whom is thrust this God-appointed honour? He springs to life each month, each day that passes; so Gods have made him their oblation-bearer.
4 The Gods have made me bearer of oblations, who slipped away and passed through many troubles. Wise Agni shall ordain for us the worship, whether five-wayed, threefold, or seven-threaded.
5 So will I win you strength and life for ever. O Gods, that I may give you room and freedom. To Indra's arms would I consign the thunder; in all these battles shall he then be victor.
6 The Deities three hundred and thirty-nine, have served and honoured Agni, Strewn sacred grass, anointed him with butter, and seated him as Priest, the Gods’ Invoker.
10,53 Agni Saucika Gods
10.Saucika Gods LIII Agni
yám aíchāma mánasā sò 'yám ā́gād yajñásya vidvā́n páruṣaś cikitvā́n | sá no yakṣad devátātā yájīyān ní hí ṣátsad ántaraḥ pū́rvo asmát ||
1 HE hath arrived, he whom we sought with longing, who skilled in sacrifice well knows its courses. Let him discharge his sacrificial duties: let him sit down as Friend who was before Us.
2 Best Priest, he hath been won by being seated, for he hath looked on the well-ordered viands. Come, let usworship Gods who must be worshipped, and pouring oil, laud those who should be lauded.
sādhvī́m akar devávītiṃ no adyá yajñásya jihvā́m avidāma gúhyām | sá ā́yur ā́gāt surabhír vásāno bhadrā́m akar deváhūtiṃ no adyá ||
3 Now hath he made the feast of Gods effective: now have we found the secret tongue of worship. Now hath he come, sweet, robed in vital vigour, and made our calling on the Gods effective.
4 This prelude of my speech I now will utter, whereby we Gods may quell our Asura foemen. Eaters of strengthening food who merit worship, O ye Five Tribes, be pleased with mine oblation.
5 May the Five Tribes be pleased with mine oblation, and the Cow's Sons and all who merit worship. From earthly trouble may the earth protect us, and air's mid realm from woe that comes from heaven.
6 Spinning the thread, follow the region's splendid light: guard thou the path ways well which wisdom hath prepared. Weave ye the knotless labour of the bards who sing: be Manu thou, and bring the Heavenly People forth.
7 Lovers of Soma, bind the chariot traces fast: set ye the reins in order and embellish them. Bring hitherward the car with seats where eight may sit, whereon the Gods have brought the treasure that we love.
8 Here flows Asmanvati: hold fast each other, keep yourselves up, and pass, my friends, the river. There let us leave the Powers that brought no profit, and cross the flood to Powers that are auspicious.
9 Tvaṣṭar, most deft of workmen, knew each magic art, bringing most blessed bowls that hold the drink of Gods. His axe, wrought of good metal, he is sharpening now, wherewith the radiant Brahmaṇaspati will cut.
10 Now, O ye Sapient Ones, make ye the axes sharp wherewith ye fashion bowls to hold the Amṛta. Knowing the secret places make ye ready that whereby the Gods have gotten immortality.
11 Ye with a secret tongue and dark intention laid the maiden deep within, the calf within the mouth. They evermore are near us with their gracious help: successful is the song that strives for victory.
1 I SING thy fame that, Maghavan, through thy Greatness the heavens and earth invoked thee in their terror, Thou, aiding Gods, didst quell the power of Dāsas, what time thou holpest many a race, O Indra.
2 When thou wast roaming, waxen strong in body, telling thy might, Indra, among the people, All that men called thy battles was illusion: no foe hast thou to-day, nor erst hast found one.
ká u nú te mahimánaḥ samasya asmát pū́rva ŕ̥ṣayo ántam āpuḥ | yán mātáraṃ ca pitáraṃ ca sākám ájanayathās tanúvaḥ suā́yāḥ ||
3 Who are the Ṛṣis, then, who comprehended before our time the bounds of all thy greatness? For from thy body thou hast generated at the same time the Mother and the Father.
4 Thou, Mighty Steer, hast four supremest natures, Asura natures that may ne’er be injured. All these, O Maghavan, thou surely knowest, wherewith thou hast performed thy great achievements.
5 Thou hast all treasures in thy sole possession, treasures made manifest and treasures hidden. Defer not thou, O Maghavan, my longing: thou, art Director, Indra, thou art Giver.
6 To him who set the light in things of splendour, and with all sweetness blent essential sweetness, To Indra hath this welcome hymn that strengthens been uttered by the votary Bṛhaduktha.
1 FAR is that secret name by which, in terror, the worlds invoked thee and thou gavest vigour The earth and heaven thou settest near each other, and Maghavan, madest bright thy Brother's Children.
mahát tán nā́ma gúhiyam puruspŕ̥g yéna bhūtáṃ janáyo yéna bhávyam | pratnáṃ jātáṃ jyótir yád asya priyám priyā́ḥ sám aviśanta páñca ||
2 Great is that secret name and far-extending, whereby thou madest all that is and shall be. The Five Tribes whom he loveth well have entered the light he loveth that was made aforetime.
3 He filled the heaven and earth and all between them, Gods five times sevenfold in their proper seasons. With four-and-thirty lights he looks around him, lights of one colour though their ways are divers.
4 As first among the lights, O Dawn, thou shonest, whereby thou broughtest forth the Stay of Increase, Great art thou, matchless is thine Asura nature, who, high above, art kin to those beneath thee.
vidhúṃ dadrāṇáṃ sámane bahūnā́ṃ yúvānaṃ sántam palitó jagāra | devásya paśya kā́viyam mahitvā́ adyā́ mamā́ra sá hiyáḥ sám āna ||
5 The old hath waked the young Moon from his slumber who runs his circling course with many round him. Behold the Gods’ high wisdom in its greatness: he who died yesterday to-day is living.
6 Strong is the Red Bird in his strength, great Hero, who from of old hath had no nest to dwell in. That which he knows is truth and never idle: he wins and gives the wealth desired of many.
7 Through these the Thunderer gained strong manly vigour, through whom he waxed in power to smite down Vṛtra, —Who through the might of Indra's operation came forth as Gods in course of Law and Order.
8 All-strong, performing works with his companion, All-marking, rapid Victor, Curse-averter, The Hero, waxing, after draughts of Soma, blew far from heaven the Dasyus with his weapon.
1 HERE is one light for thee, another yonder: enter the third and he therewith united. Uniting with a body be thou welcome, dear to the Gods in their sublimest birthplace.
2 Bearing thy body, Vajin, may thy body afford us blessing and thyself protection. Unswerving, stablish as it were in heaven thine own light as the mighty God's supporter.
vājī́ asi vā́jinenā suvenī́ḥ suvitá stómaṃ suvitó dívaṃ gāḥ | suvitó dhárma prathamā́nu satyā́ suvitó devā́n suvitó 'nu pátma ||
3 Strong Steed art thou: go to the yearning Maidens with vigour, happily go to heaven and praises: Fly happily to the Gods with easy passage, according to the first and faithful statutes.
4 Part of their grandeur have the Fathers also gained: the Gods have seated mental power in them as Gods. They have embraced within themselves all energies, which, issuing forth, again into their bodies pass.
5 They strode through all the region with victorious might, establishing the old immeasurable laws. They compassed in their bodies all existing things, and streamed forth offipring in many successive forms.
6 In two ways have the sons established in his place the Asura who finds the light, by the third act, As fathers, they have set their heritage on earth, their offspring, as a thread continuously spun out.
7 As in a ship through billows, so through regions of air, with blessings, through toils and troubles Hath Bṛhaduktha brought his seed with glory, and placed it here and in the realms beyond us.
6 O Soma with the spirit still within us, blest with progeny, May we be busied in the law.
10,58 Mānas or Spirit
10.or Spirit LVIII Mānas
yát te yamáṃ vaivasvatám máno jagā́ma dūrakám | tát ta ā́ vartayāmasi ihá kṣáyāya jīváse ||
1 THY spirit, that went far away to Yama to Vivasvān's Son, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.
yát te dívaṃ yát pr̥thivī́m máno jagā́ma dūrakám | tát ta ā́ vartayāmasi ihá kṣáyāya jīváse ||
2 Thy spirit, that went far away, that passed away to earth and heaven, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.
yát te bhū́miṃ cáturbhr̥ṣṭim máno jagā́ma dūrakám | tát ta ā́ vartayāmasi ihá kṣáyāya jīváse ||
3 Thy spirit, that went far away, away to the four-cornered earth, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.
yát te cátasraḥ pradíśo máno jagā́ma dūrakám | tát ta ā́ vartayāmasi ihá kṣáyāya jīváse ||
4 Thy spirit, that went far away to the four quarters of the world, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.
yát te samudrám arṇavám máno jagā́ma dūrakám | tát ta ā́ vartayāmasi ihá kṣáyāya jīváse ||
5 Thy spirit, that went far away, away unto the billowy sea, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.
yát te márīcīḥ praváto máno jagā́ma dūrakám | tát ta ā́ vartayāmasi ihá kṣáyāya jīváse ||
6 Thy spirit, that went far away to beams of light that flash and flow, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.
yát te apó yád óṣadhīr máno jagā́ma dūrakám | tát ta ā́ vartayāmasi ihá kṣáyāya jīváse ||
7 Thy spirit, that went far away, went to the waters and the plants, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.
yát te sū́ryaṃ yád uṣásam máno jagā́ma dūrakám | tát ta ā́ vartayāmasi ihá kṣáyāya jīváse ||
8 Thy spirit, that went far away, that visited the Sun and Dawn. We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.
yát te párvatān br̥ható máno jagā́ma dūrakám | tát ta ā́ vartayāmasi ihá kṣáyāya jīváse ||
9 Thy spirit, that went far away, away to lofty mountain heights, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.
yát te víśvam idáṃ jágan máno jagā́ma dūrakám | tát ta ā́ vartayāmasi ihá kṣáyāya jīváse ||
10 Thy spirit, that went far away into this All, that lives and moves, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.
yát te párāḥ parāváto máno jagā́ma dūrakám | tát ta ā́ vartayāmasi ihá kṣáyāya jīváse ||
11 Thy spirit, that went far away to distant realms beyond our ken, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.
yát te bhūtáṃ ca bhávyaṃ ca máno jagā́ma dūrakám | tát ta ā́ vartayāmasi ihá kṣáyāya jīváse ||
12 Thy spirit, that went far away to all that is and is to be, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn heie.
10,59 Nirrti and Others
10.LIX Nirrti and Others
prá tāri ā́yuḥ prataráṃ návīya sthā́tāreva krátumatā ráthasya | ádha cyávāna út tavīti ártham parātaráṃ sú nírr̥tir jihītām ||
1 His life hath been renewed and carried forward as two men, car-borne, by the skilful driver. One falls, then seeks the goal with quickened vigour. Let Nirrti depart to distant places.
sā́man nú rāyé nidhimán nú ánnaṃ kárāmahe sú purudhá śrávāṃsi | tā́ no víśvāni jaritā́ mamattu parātaráṃ sú nírr̥tir jihītām ||
2 Here is the psalm for wealth, and food, in plenty: let us do many deeds to bring us glory. All these our doings shall delight the singer. Let Nirrti depart to distant places.
abhī́ ṣú aryáḥ paúṃsiyair bhavema diyaúr ná bhū́miṃ giráyo ná ájrān | tā́ no víśvāni jaritā́ ciketa parātaráṃ sú nírr̥tir jihītām ||
3 May we o’ercome our foes with acts of valour, as heaven is over earth, hills over lowlands. All these our deeds the singer hath considered. Let Nirrti depart to distant places.
mó ṣú ṇaḥ soma mr̥tyáve párā dāḥ páśyema nú sū́riyam uccárantam | dyúbhir hitó jarimā́ sū́ no astu parātaráṃ sú nírr̥tir jihītām ||
4 Give us not up as prey to death, O Soma still let us look upon the Sun arising. Let our old age with passing days be kindly. Let Nirrti depart to distant places.
ásunīte máno asmā́su dhāraya jīvā́tave sú prá tirā na ā́yuḥ | rārandhí naḥ sū́riyasya saṃdŕ̥śi ghr̥téna tváṃ tanúvaṃ vardhayasva ||
5 O Asuniti, keep the soul within us, and make the days we have to live yet longer. Grant that we still may look upon the sunlight: strengthen thy body with the oil we bring thee.
6 Give us our sight again, O Asuniti, give us again our breath and our enjoyment. Long may we look upon the Sun uprising; O Anumati, favour thou and bless us.
7 May Earth restore to us our vital spirit, may Heaven the Goddess and mid-air restore it. May Soma give us once again our body, and Pūṣan show the Path of peace and comfort.
8 May both Worlds bless Subandhu, young Mothers of everlasting Law. May Heaven and Earth uproot and sweep iniquity and shame away: nor sin nor sorrow trouble thee.
9 Health-giving medicines descend sent down from heaven in twos and threes, Or wandering singly on the earth. May Heaven and Earth uproot and sweep iniquity and shame away: nor sin nor sorrow trouble thee.
sám indra īraya gã́m anaḍvā́haṃ yá ā́vahad uśīnárāṇiyā ánaḥ | bháratām ápa yád rápo dyaúḥ pr̥thivi kṣamā́ rápo mó ṣú te kíṃ canā́mamat ||
10 Drive forward thou the wagon-ox, O Indra, which brought Usinarani's wagon hither. May Heaven and Earth uproot and sweep iniquity and shame away: nor sin nor sorrow trouble thee.
7 This is the mother, this the sire, this one hath come to be thy life. What brings thee forth is even this. Now come, Subandhu, get thee forth.
yáthā yugáṃ varatráyā náhyanti dharúṇāya kám | evā́ dādhāra te máno jīvā́tave ná mr̥tyáve átho ariṣṭátātaye ||
8 As with the leather thong they bind the chariot yoke to hold it fast, So have I held thy spirit fast, held it for life and not for death, held it for thy security.
yátheyám pr̥thivī́ mahī́ dādhā́remā́n vánaspátīn | evā́ dādhāra te máno jīvā́tave ná mr̥tyáve átho ariṣṭátātaye ||
9 Even as this earth, the mighty earth, holds fast the monarchs of the wood. So have I held thy spirit fast, held it for life and not for death, held it for thy security.
11 The wind blows downward from on high, downward the Sun-God sends his heat, Downward the milch-cow pours her milk: so downward go thy pain and grief.
ayám me hásto bhágavān ayám me bhágavattaraḥ | ayám me viśvábheṣajo ayáṃ śivā́bhimarśanaḥ ||
12 Felicitous is this mine hand, yet more felicitous is this. This hand contains all healing balms, and this makes whole with gentle touch.
1 THE welcome speaker in the storm of battle uttered with might this prayer to win the Aśvins, When the most liberal God, for Paktha, rescued his parents, and assailed the seven Hotras.
sá íd dānā́ya dábhiyāya vanváñ cyávānaḥ sū́dair amimīta védim | tū́rvayāṇo gūrtávacastamaḥ kṣódo ná réta itáūti siñcat ||
2 Cyavāna, purposing deceptive presents, with all ingredients, made the altar ready. Most sweet-voiced Tūrvayāṇa poured oblations like floods of widely fertilizing water.
máno ná yéṣu hávaneṣu tigmáṃ vípaḥ śáciyā vanuthó drávantā | ā́ yáḥ śáryābhis tuvinr̥mṇó asya áśrīṇīta · ādíśaṃ gábhastau ||
3 To his oblations, swift as thought, ye hurried, and welcomed eagerly the prayers he offered. With arrows in his hand the Very Mighty forced from him all obedience of a servant.
kr̥ṣṇā́ yád góṣu aruṇī́ṣu sī́dad divó nápātā aśvinā huve vām | vītám me yajñám ā́ gatam me ánnaṃ vavanvā́ṃsā ná íṣam ásmr̥tadhrū ||
4 I call on you the Sons of Dyaus, the Aśvins, that a dark cow to my red kine be added. Enjoy my sacrifice, come to my viands contented, not deceiving expectation. '
6 Quum jam in medio connessu, semiperfecto opere, amorem in puellam pater impleverat, ambo discedentes seminis paulum in terrae superficiem sacrorum sede effusum emiserunt.
7 Quum pater suam nilam adiverat, cum eā congressus suum semen supra viram effudit. Tum Dii benigni precem (brahma) progenuerunt, et Vastoshpatim, legum sacrarum custodem, formaverunt.
sá īṃ vŕ̥ṣā ná phénam asyad ājaú smád ā́ párā aid ápa dabhrácetāḥ | sárat padā́ ná dákṣiṇā parāvŕ̥ṅ ná tā́ nú me pr̥śaníyo jagr̥bhre ||
8 Ille tauro similis spumam in certamine jactavit, tunc discedens pusillaximis huc profectus est. Quasi dextro pede claudus processit, "inutiles fuerunt illi mei complexus, " ita locutus.
makṣū́ ná váhniḥ prajā́yā upabdír agníṃ ná nagná úpa sīdad ū́dhaḥ | sánitā idhmáṃ sánitotá vā́jaṃ sá dhartā́ jajñe sáhasā yavīyút ||
9 'The fire, burning the people, does not approach quickly (by day): the naked (Rākṣasas approach) not Agni by night; the giver of fuel, and the giver of food, he, the upholder (of the rite), is born, overcoming enemies by his might. '
10 Uttering praise to suit the rite Navagvas came speedily to win the damsel's friendship. They who approached the twice-strong stable's keeper, meedless would milk the rocks that naught had shaken.
makṣū́ kanā́yāḥ sakhiyáṃ návīyo rā́dho ná réta r̥tám ít turaṇyan | śúci yát te rékaṇa ā́yajanta sabardúghāyāḥ páya usríyāyāḥ ||
11 Swift was new friendship with the maid they quickly accepted it as genuine seed and bounty. Milk which the cow Sabardughā had yielded was the bright heritage which to thee they offered.
12 When afterwards they woke and missed the cattle, the speaker thus in joyful mood addressed them: Matchless are singers through the Vasu's nature; he bringeth them all food and all possessions.
13 His followers then who dwelt in sundry places came and desired too slay the son of Nṛṣad. Resistless foe, be found the hidden treasure of Śuṣṇa multiplied in numerous offspring.
bhárgo ha nā́ma utá yásya devā́ḥ súvar ṇá yé triṣadhasthé niṣedúḥ | agnír ha nā́ma utá jātávedāḥ śrudhī́ no hotar r̥tásya hótādhrúk ||
14 Thou, called Effulgence, in whose threefold dwelling, as in the light of heaven, the Gods are sitting, Thou who art called Agni or Jātavedas, Priest, hear us, guileless Priest of holy worship.
15 And, Indra, bring, that I may laud and serve them, those Two resplendent glorious Nāsatyas, Blithe, bounteous, man-like, to the sacrificer, honoured among our men with offered viands.
ayáṃ stutó · rā́jā vandi vedhā́ apáś ca vípras tarati svásetuḥ | sá kakṣī́vantaṃ rejayat só agníṃ nemíṃ ná cakrám árvato raghudrú ||
16 This King is praised and honoured as Ordainer: himself the bridge, the Sage speeds o’er the waters. He hath stirred up Kakṣīvān, stirred up Agni, as the steed's swift wheel drives the felly onward.
17 Vaitarana, doubly kinsman, sacrificer, shall milk the cow who ne’er hath calved, Sabardhu, When I encompass Varuṇa and Mitra with lauds, and Aryaman in safest shelter.
18 Their kin, the Prince in heaven, thy nearest kinsman, turning his thought to thee thus speaks in kindness: This is our highest bond: I am his offspring. How many others came ere I succeeded?
iyám me nā́bhir ihá me sadhástham imé me devā́ ayám asmi sárvaḥ | dvijā́ áha prathamajā́ r̥tásya idáṃ dhenúr aduhaj jā́yamānā ||
19 Here is my kinship, here the place I dwell in: these are my Gods; I in full strength am present. Twice-born am I, the first-born Son of Order: the Cow milked this when first she had her being.
20 So mid these tribes he rests, the friendly envoy, borne on two paths, refulgent Lord of fuel. When, like a line, the Babe springs up erectly, his Mother straight hath borne him strong to bless us.
21 Then went the milch-kine forth to please the damsel, and for the good of every man that liveth. Hear us, O wealthy Lord; begin our worship. Thou hast grown mighty through Āśvaghna's virtues.
ádha tuvám indara+ viddhí asmā́n mahó rāyé nr̥pate vájrabāhuḥ | rákṣā ca no maghónaḥ pāhí sūrī́n anehásas te harivo abhíṣṭau ||
22 And take thou notice of us also, Indra, for ample riches, King whose arm wields thunder! Protect our wealthy nobles, guard our princes unmenaced near thee, Lord of Tawny Coursers.
23 When he goes forth, ye Pair of Kings, for booty, speeding to war and praise to please the singer, —I was the dearest sage of those about him, —let him lead these away and bring them safely.
ádhā nú asya jéniyasya puṣṭaú vŕ̥thā rébhanta īmahe tád ū nú | saraṇyúr asya sūnúr áśvo vípraś ca asi śrávasaś ca sātaú ||
24 Now for this noble man's support and comfort, singing with easy voice we thus implore thee: Impetuous be his son and fleet his courser: and may I be his priest to win him glory.
25 If, for our strength, the priest with adoration to win your friendship made the laud accepted, That laud shall be a branching road to virtue for every one to whom the songs are suited.
26 Glorified thus, with holy hymns and homage: —Of noble race, with Waters, God-attended—May he enrich us for our prayers and praises: now can the cow be milked; the path is open.
27 Be to us, then, ye Gods who merit worship, be ye of one accord our strong protection, Who went on various ways and brought us vigour, ye who are undeceivable explorers.
1 YE, who, adorned with guerdon through the sacrifice, have won you Indra's friendship and eternal life, Even to you be happiness, Aṅgirases. Welcome the son of Manu, ye who are most wise.
yá udā́jan pitáro gomáyaṃ vásu r̥ténā́bhindan parivatsaré valám | dīrghāyutvám aṅgiraso vo astu práti gr̥bhṇīta mānaváṃ sumedhasaḥ ||
2 The Fathers, who drave forth the wealth in cattle, have in the year's courses cleft Vala by Eternal Law: A lengthened life be yours, O ye Aṅgirases. Welcome the son of Manu, ye who are most wise.
yá r̥téna sū́ryam ā́rohayan diví áprathayan pr̥thivī́m mātáraṃ ví | suprajāstvám aṅgiraso vo astu práti gr̥bhṇīta mānaváṃ sumedhasaḥ ||
3 Ye raised the Sun to heaven by everlasting Law, and spread broad earth, the Mother, out on every side. Fair wealth of progeny be yours, Aṅgirases. Welcome the son of Manu, ye who are most wise.
ayáṃ nā́bhā vadati valgú vo gr̥hé dévaputrā r̥ṣayas tác chr̥ṇotana | subrahmaṇyám aṅgiraso vo astu práti gr̥bhṇīta mānaváṃ sumedhasaḥ ||
4 This kinsman in your dwellingplace speaks pleasant words: give car to this, ye Ṛṣis, children of the Gods. High Brahman dignity be yours, Aṅgirases. Welcome the son of Manu, ye who are most wise.
vírūpāsa íd ŕ̥ṣayas tá íd gambhīrávepasaḥ | té áṅgirasaḥ sūnávas té agnéḥ pári jajñire ||
5 Distinguished by their varied form, these Ṛṣis have been deeply moved. These are the sons of Aṅgirases: from Agni have they sprung to life.
7 With Indra for associate the priests have cleared the stable full of steeds and kine, Giving to me a thousand with their eightmarked cars, they gained renown among the Gods.
11 Blest be the hamlet's chief, most liberal Manu, and may his bounty rival that of Sūrya. May the God let Ssvarni's life be lengthened, with whom, unwearied, we have lived and prospered.
1 MAY they who would assume kinship from far away, Vivasvān's generations, dearly loved of men, Even the Gods who sit upon the sacred grass of Nahuṣa's son Yayāti, bless and comfort us.
víśvā hí vo namasíyāni vándiyā nā́māni devā utá yajñíyāni vaḥ | yé sthá jātā́ áditer adbhiyás pári yé pr̥thivyā́s té ma ihá śrutā hávam ||
2 For worthy of obeisance, Gods, are all your names, worthy of adoration and of sacrifice. Ye who were born from waters, and from Aditi, and from the earth, do ye here listen to my call.
3 I will rejoice in these Ādityas for my weal, for whom the Mother pours forth water rich in balm, And Dyaus the Infinite, firm as a rock, sweet milk, —Gods active, strong through lauds, whose might the Bull upholds.
4 Looking on men, ne’er slumbering, they by their deserts attained as Gods to lofty immortality. Borne on refulgent cars, sinless, with serpents' powers, they robe them, for our welfare, in the height of heaven.
5 Great Kings who bless us, who have come to sacrifice, who, ne’er assailed, have set their mansion in the sky, —These I invite with adoration and with hymns, mighty Ādityas, Aditi, for happiness.
kó va stómaṃ rādhati yáṃ jújoṣatha víśve devāso manuṣo yáti ṣṭhána | kó vo 'dhvaráṃ tuvijātā áraṃ karad yó naḥ párṣad áti áṃhaḥ suastáye ||
6 Who offereth to you the laud that ye accept, O ye All-Gods of Manu, many as ye are? Who, Mighty Ones, will prepare for you the sacrifice to bear us over trouble to felicity?
7 Ye to whom Manu, by seven priests, with kindled fire, offered the first oblation with his heart and soul, Vouchsafe us, ye Ādityas, sheitcr free from fear, and make us good and easy paths to happiness.
yá ī́śire bhúvanasya prácetaso víśvasya sthātúr jágataś ca mántavaḥ | té naḥ kr̥tā́d ákr̥tād énasas pári adyā́ devāsaḥ pipr̥tā suastáye ||
8 Wise Deities, who have dominion o’er the world, ye thinkers over all that moves not and that moves, Save us from uncommitted and committed sin, preserve us from all sin to-day for happiness.
9 In battles we invoke Indra still swift to hear, and all the holy Host of Heaven who banish grief, Agni, Mitra, and Varuṇa that we may gain, Dyays, Bhaga, Maruts, Prthivi for happiness:
10 Mightily-saving Earth, incomparable Heaven the good guide Aditi who gives secure defence The well-oared heavenly Ship that lets no waters in, free from defect, will we ascend for happiness.
víśve yajatrā ádhi vocatotáye trā́yadhvaṃ no durévāyā abhihrútaḥ | satyáyā vo deváhūtyā huvema śr̥ṇvató devā ávase suastáye ||
11 Bless us, all Holy Ones, that we may have your help, guard and protect us from malignant injury. With fruitful invocation may we call on you, Gods, who give ear to us for grace, for happiness.
12 Keep all disease afar and sordid sacrifice, keep off the wicked man's malicious enmity. Keep far away from us all hatred, O ye Gods, and give us ample shelter for our happiness.
13 Untouched by any evil, every mortal thrives, and, following the Law, spreads in his progeny. Whom ye with your good guidance, O Ādityas, lead safely through all his pain and grief to happiness.
14 That which ye guard and grace in battle, O ye Gods, ye Maruts, where the prize is wealth, where heroes win, That conquering Car, O Indra, that sets forth at dawn, that never breaks, may we ascend for happiness.
15 Vouchsafe us blessing in our paths and desert tracts, blessing in waters and in battle, for the light; Blessing upon the wombs that bring male children forth, and blessing, O ye Maruts, for the gain of wealth.
suastír íd dhí prápathe śráyiṣṭhā+ rékṇasvatī abhí yā́ vāmám éti | sā́ no amā́ só áraṇe ní pātu suāveśā́ bhavatu devágopā ||
16 The noblest Svasti with abundant riches, who comes to what is good by distant pathway, —May she at home and far away preserve us, and dwell with us under the Gods’ protection
17 Thus hatb the thoughtful sage, the son of Plati, praised you, O Aditi and all Ādityas, Men are made rich by those who are Immortal: the Heavenly Folk have been extolled by Gaya.
1 WHAT God, of those who hear, is he whose well-praised name we may record in this our sacrifice; and how? Who will be gracious? Who of many give us bliss? Who out of all the Host will come to lend us aid?
2 The will and thoughts within my breast exert their power: they yearn with love, and fly to all the regions round. None other comforter is found save only these: my longings and my hopes are fixt upon the Gods.
3 To Narāśaṁsa and to Pūṣan I sing forth, unconcealable Agni kindied by the Gods. To Sun and Moon, two Moons, to Yama in the heaven, to Trita, Vāta, Dawn, Night, and the Atvins Twain.
4 How is the Sage extolled whom the loud singers praise? What voice, what hymn is used to laud Bṛhaspati? May Aja-Ekapād with Rkvans swift to hear, and Ahi of the Deep listen unto our call.
5 Aditi, to the birth of Dakṣa and the vow thou summonest the Kings Mitra and Varuṇa. With course unchecked, with many chariots Aryaman comes with the seven priests to tribes of varied sort.
té no árvanto havanaśrúto hávaṃ víśve śr̥ṇvantu vājíno mitádravaḥ | sahasrasā́ medhásātāv iva tmánā mahó yé dhánaṃ samithéṣu jabhriré ||
6 May all those vigorous Coursers listen to our cry, hearers of invocation, speeding on their way; Winners of thousands where the priestly meed is won, who gather of themselves great wealth in every race.
prá vo vāyúṃ rathayújam púraṃdhiṃ stómaiḥ kr̥ṇudhvaṃ sakhiyā́ya pūṣáṇam | té hí devásya savitúḥ sávīmani krátuṃ sácante sacítaḥ sácetasaḥ ||
7 Bring ye Purandbi, bring Vāyu who yokes his steeds, for friendship bring ye Pūṣan with your songs of praise: They with one mind, one thought attend the sacrifice, urged by the favouring aid of Savitar the God.
8 The thrice-seven wandering Rivers, yea, the mighty floods, the forest trees, the mountains, Agni to our aid, Kṛśānu, Tisya, archers to our gathering-place, and Rudra strong amid the Rudras we invoke.
9 Let the great Streams come hither with their mighty help, Sindhu, Sarasvatī, and Sarayu with waves. Ye Goddess Floods, ye Mothers, animating all, promise us water rich in fatness and in balm.
10 And let Brhaddiva, the Mother, hear our call, and Tvaṣṭar, Father, with the Goddesses and Dames. Ṛbhukṣan, Vāja, Bhaga, and Rathaspati, and the sweet speech of him who labours guard us well!
11 Pleasant to look on as a dwelling rich in food is the blest favour of the Maruts, Rudra's Sons. May we be famed among the folk for wealth in kine. and ever come to you, ye Gods, with sacred food.
12 The thought which ye, O Maruts, Indra and ye Gods have given to me, and ye, Mitra and Varuṇa, —Cause this to grow and swell like a milchcow with milk. Will ye not bear away my songs upon your car?
13 O Maruts, do ye never, never recollect and call again to mind this our relationship? When next we meet together at the central point, even there shall Aditi confirm our brotherhood.
14 The Mothers, Heaven and Earth, those mighty Goddesses, worthy of sacrifice, ecune with the race of Gods. These Two with their support uphold both Gods and men, and with the Fathers pour the copious genial stream.
15 This invocation wins all good that we desire Bṛhaspati, highly-praised Aramati, are here, Even where the stone that presses meath rings loudly out, and where the sages make their voices heard with hymns.
16 Thus hath the sage, skilled in loud singers' duties, desiring riches, yearning after treasure, Gaya, the priestly singer, with his praises and hymns contented the Celestial people.
17 Thus hath the thoughtful sage the son of Plati, praised you, O Aaiti and all Ādityas. Men are made rich by those who are Immortal: the Heavenly Folk have been extolled by Gaya.
2 Indra and Agni, Hero-lords when Vṛtra fell, dwelling together, speeding emulously on, And Soma blent with oil, putting his greatness forth, have with their power filled full the mighty firmament.
téṣāṃ hí mahnā́ mahatā́m anarváṇāṃ stómām̐ íyarmi r̥tajñā́ r̥tāvŕ̥dhām | yé apsavám arṇaváṃ citrárādhasas té no rāsantām maháye sumitriyā́ḥ ||
3 Skilled in the Law I lift the hymn of praise to these, Law-strengtheners, unassailed, and great in majesty. These in their wondrous bounty send the watery sea: may they as kindly Friends send gifts to make us great.
4 They with their might have stayed Heaven, Earth, and Prthivi, the Lord of Light, the firmament, -the lustrous spheres. Even as fleet-foot steeds who make their masters glad, the princely Gods are praised, most bountiful to man.
5 Bring gifts to Mitra and to Varuṇa who, Lords of all, in spirit never fail the worshipper, Whose statute shines on high through everlasting Law, whose places of sure refuge are the heavens and earth.
6 The cow who yielding milk goes her appointed way hither to us as leader of holy rites, Speaking aloud to Varuṇa and the worshipper, shall with oblation serve Vivasvān and the Gods.
7 The Gods whose tongue is Agni dwell in heaven, and sit, aiders of Law, reflecting, in the seat of Law. They propped up heaven and then brought waters with their might, got sacrifice and in a body made it fair.
8 Born in the oldest time, the Parents dwelling round are sharers of one mansion in the home of Law. Bound by their common vow Dyaus, Prthivi stream forth the moisture rich in oil to Varuṇa the Steer.
9 Parjanya, Vāta, mighty, senders of the rain, Indra and Vāyu, Varuṇa, Mitra, Aryaman: We call on Aditi, Ādityas, and the Gods, those who are on the earth, in waters, and in heaven.
tváṣṭāraṃ vāyúm r̥bhavo yá óhate daívyā hótārā uṣásaṃ suastáye | bŕ̥haspátiṃ vr̥trakhādáṃ sumedhásam indriyáṃ sómaṃ dhanasā́ u īmahe ||
10 Tvaṣṭar and Vāyu, those who count as Ṛbhus, both celestial Hotar-priests, and Dawn for happiness, Winners of wealth, we call, and wise Bṛhaspati, destroyer of our foes, and Soma Indra's Friend.
11 They generated prayer, the cow, the horse, the plants, the forest trees, the earth, the waters, and the hills. These very bounteous Gods made the Sun mount to heaven, and spread the righteous laws of Āryas o’er the land.
12 O Aśvins, ye delivered Bhujyu from distress, ye animated Śyāva, Vadhrmati's son. To Vimada ye brought his consort Kamadyu, and gave his lost Viṣṇāpū back to Viśvaka.
13 Thunder, the lightning's daughter, Aja-Ekapād, heaven's bearer, Sindhu, and the waters of the sea: Hear all the Gods my words, Sarasvatī give ear together with Purandhi and with Holy Thoughts.
14 With Holy Thoughts and with Purandhi may all Gods, knowing the Law immortal, Manu's Holy Ones, Boon-givers, favourers, finders of light, and Heaven, with gracious love accept my songs, my prayer, my hymn.
15 Immortal Gods have I, Vasiṣṭha, lauded, Gods set on high above all other beings. May they this day grant us wide space and freedom: ye Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.
1 I CALL the Gods of lofty glory for our weal, the makers of the light, well-skilled in sacrifice; Those who have waxen mightily, Masters of all wealth, Immortal, strengthening Law, the Gods whom Indra leads.
2 For the strong band of Maruts will we frame a hymn: the chiefs shall bring forth sacrifice for Indra's troop, Who, sent by Indra and advised by Varuṇa, have gotten for themselves a share of Sūrya's light
índro vásubhiḥ pári pātu no gáyam ādityaír no áditiḥ śárma yachatu | rudró rudrébhir devó mr̥̄ḷayāti+ nas tváṣṭā no gnā́bhiḥ suvitā́ya jinvatu ||
3 May Indra with the Vasus keep our dwelling safe, and Aditi with Ādityas lend us sure defence. May the God Rudra with the Rudras favour us, and Tvaṣṭar with the Dames further us to success.
4 Aditi, Heaven and Earth, the great eternal Law, Indra, Viṣṇu, the Maruts, and the lofty Sky. We call upon Ādityas, on the Gods, for help, on Vasus, Rudras, Savitar of wondrous deeds.
5 With Holy Thoughts Sarasvān, firm-lawed Varuṇa, great Vāyu, Pūṣan, Viṣṇu, and the Aśvins Twain, Lords of all wealth, Immortal, furtherers of prayer, grant us a triply-guarding refuge from distress.
6 Strong be the sacrifice, strong be the Holy Ones, strong the preparers of oblation, strong the Gods. Mighty be Heaven and Earth, true to eternal Law, strong be Parjanya, strong be they who laud the Strong.
7 To win us strength I glorify the Mighty Twain, Agni and Soma, Mighty Ones whom many laud. May these vouchsafe us shelter with a triple guard, these whom the strong have served in worship of the Gods.
8 Potent, with firm-fixt laws, arranging sacrifice, visiting solemn rites in splendour of the day, Obeying Order, these whose priest is Agni, free from falsehood, poured the waters out when Vṛtra died.
9 The Holy Ones engendered, for their several laws, the heavens and earth, the waters, and the plants and trees. They filled the firmament with heavenly light for help: the Gods embodied Wish and made it beautiful.
10 May they who bear up heaven, the Ṛbhus deft of hand, and Vāta and Parjanya of the thundering Bull, The waters and the plants, promote the songs we sing: come Bhaga, Rati, and the Vaijns to my call.
11 Sindhu, the sea, the region, and the firmament, the thunder, and the ocean, Aja-Ekapād, The Dragon of the Deep, shall listen to my words, and all the Deities and Princes shall give ear.
siyā́ma vo mánavo devávītaye prā́ñcaṃ no yajñám prá ṇayata sādhuyā́ | ā́dityā rúdrā vásavaḥ súdānava imā́ bráhma śasyámānāni jinvata ||
12 May we, be yours, we men, to entertain the Gods: further our sacrifice and give it full success. Ādityas, Rudras, Vasus, givers of good gifts, quicken the holy hymns which we are singing now
13 I follow with success upon the path of Law the two celestial Hotars, Priests of oldest time. We pray to him who dwelleth near, Guard of the Field, to all Immortal Gods who never are remiss.
14 Vasiṣṭha's sons have raised their voices, like their sire. Ṛṣi-like praying to the Gods for happiness. Like friendly-minded kinsmen, come at our desire, O Gods, and shake down treasures on us from above.
15 Immortal Gods have I, Vasiṣṭha, lauded, Gods set on high above all other beings. May they this day grant us wide space and freedom: ye Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.
1 THIS holy hymn, sublime and sevenheaded, sprung from eternal Law, our sire discovered. Ayasya, friend of all men, hath engendered the fourth hymn as he sang his laud to Indra.
2 Thinking aright, praising eternal Order, the sons of Dyaus the Asura, those heroes, Aṅgirases, holding the rank of sages, first honoured sacrifice's holy statute.
3 Girt by his friends who cried with swanlike voices, bursting the stony barriers of the prison, Bṛhaspati spake in thunder to the cattle, and uttered praise and song when he had found them.
4 Apart from one, away from two above him, he drave the kine that stood in bonds of falsehood. Bṛhaspati, seeking light amid the darkness, drave forth the bright cows: three he made apparent.
5 When he had cleft the lairs and western castle, he cut off three from him who held the waters. Bṛhaspati discovered, while he thundered like Dyaus, the dawn, the Sun, the cow, the lightning.
6 As with a hand, so with his roaring Indra cleft Vala through, the guardian of the cattle. Seeking the milk-draught with sweatshining comrades he stole the Paṇi's kine and left him weeping.
7 He with bright faithful Friends, winners of booty, hath rent the milker of the cows asunder. Bṛhaspati with wild boars strong and mighty, sweating with heat, hath gained a rich possession.
8 They, longing for the kine, with faithful spirit incited with their hymns the Lord of cattle. Bṛhaspati freed the radiant cows with comrades self-yoked, averting shame from one another.
9 In our assembly with auspicious praises exalting him who roareth like a lion, Maywe, in every fight where heroes conquer, rejoice in strong Bṛhaspati the Victor.
10 When he had won him every sort of booty and gone to heaven and its most lofty mansions, Men praised Bṛhaspati the Mighty, bringing the light within their mouths from sundry places.
11 Fulfil the prayer that begs for vital vigour: aid in your wonted manner even the humble. Let all our foes be turned and driven backward. Hear this, O Heaven and Earth, ye All-producers.
12 Indra with mighty strength cleft asunder the head of Arbuda the watery monster, Slain Ahi, and set free the Seven Rivers. O Heaven and Earth, with all the Gods protect us.
10,68 Bṛhaspati
10.LXVIII Bṛhaspati
udaprúto ná váyo rákṣamāṇā vā́vadato abhríyasyeva ghóṣāḥ | giribhrájo ná ūrmáyo mádanto bŕ̥haspátim abhí arkā́ anāvan ||
1 LIKE birds who keep their watch, plashing in water, like the loud voices of the thundering rain-cloud, Like merry streamlets bursting from the mountain, thus to Bṛhaspati our hymns have sounded.
2 The Son of Aṅgirases, meeting the cattle, as Bhaga, brought in Aryaman among us. As Friend of men he decks the wife and husband: as for the race, Bṛhaspati, nerve our coursers.
3 Bṛhaspati, having won them from the mountains, strewed down, like barley out of winnowing- baskets, The vigorous, wandering cows who aid the pious, desired of all, of blameless form, well-coloured.
4 As the Sun dews with meath the seat of Order, and casts a flaming meteor down from heaven. So from the rock Bṛhaspati forced the cattle, and cleft the earth's skin as it were with water.
5 Forth from mid air with light he dravc the darkness, as the gale blows a lily from the fiver. Like the wind grasping at the cloud of Vala, Bṛhaspati gathered to himself the cattle,
6 Bṛhaspati, when he with fiery lightnings cleft through the weapon of reviling Vala, Consumedḥim as tongues cat what teeth have compassed: he threw the prisons of the red cows open.
7 That secret name borne by the lowing cattle within the cave Bṛhaspati discovered, And drave, himself, the bright kine from the mountain, like a bird's young after the egg's disclosure.
áśnā́pinaddham mádhu páry apaśyan mátsyaṃ ná dīná udáni kṣiyántam | níṣ ṭáj jabhāra camasáṃ ná vr̥kṣā́d bŕ̥haspátir viravéṇā vikŕ̥tya ||
8 He looked around on rock-imprisoned sweetness as one who eyes a fish in scanty water. Bṛhaspati, cleaving through with varied clamour, brought it forth like a bowl from out the timber.
sóṣā́m avindat sá súvaḥ só agníṃ só arkéṇa ví babādhe támāṃsi | bŕ̥haspátir góvapuṣo valásya nír majjā́naṃ ná párvaṇo jabhāra ||
9 He found the light of heaven, and fire, and Morning: with lucid rays he forced apart the darkness. As from a joint, Bṛhaspati took the marrow of Vala as he gloried in his cattle.
10 As trees for foliage robbed by winter, Vala mourned for the cows Bṛhaspati had taken. He did a deed ne’er done, ne’er to be equalled, whereby the Sun and Moon ascend alternate.
11 Like a dark steed adorned with pearl, the Fathers have decorated heaven With constellations. They set the light in day, in night the darkness. Bṛhaspati cleft the rock and found the cattle.
idám akarma námo abhriyā́ya yáḥ pūrvī́r · ánu ānónavīti | bŕ̥haspátiḥ sá hí góbhiḥ só áśvaiḥ sá vīrébhiḥ sá nŕ̥bhir no váyo dhāt ||
12 This homage have we. offered to the Cloud God who thunders out to many in succession. May this Bṛhaspati vouchsafe us fulness of life with kine and horses, men, and heroes.
1 Auspicious is the aspect of Vadhryasva's fire good is its guidance, pleasant are its visitings. When first the people Of Sumitra kindle it, with butter poured thercon it crackles and shines bright.
ghr̥tám agnér vadhriaśvásya várdhanaṃ ghr̥tám ánnaṃ ghr̥tám u asya médanam | ghr̥ténā́huta urviyā́ ví paprathe sū́rya iva rocate sarpírāsutiḥ ||
2 Butter is that which makes Vadhryaiva's fire growstrong: the butter is its food, the butter makes it fat. It spreads abroad when butter hath been offered it, and balmed with streams of butter shines forth like the Sun.
yát te mánur yád ánīkaṃ sumitráḥ samīdhé agne tád idáṃ návīyaḥ | sá revác choca sá gíro juṣasva sá vā́jaṃ darṣi sá ihá śrávo dhāḥ ||
3 Still newest is this face of thine, O Agni, which Manu and Sumitra have enkindled. So richly shine, accept our songs with favour, so give us strengthening food, so send us glory.
yáṃ tvā pū́rvam īḷitó vadhriaśváḥ samīdhé agne sá idáṃ juṣasva | sá na stipā́ utá bhavā tanūpā́ dātráṃ rakṣasva yád idáṃ te asmé ||
4 Accept this offering, Agni, whom aforetime Vadhryasva, hath entreated and enkindled. Guard well our homes and ople, guard our bodies, protect thy girt to us which thou hast granted.
5 Be splendid, guard us Kinsman of Vadhryasva: let not the enmity of men o’ercome thee, Like the bold hero Cyavāna, I Sumitra tell forth the title of Vadhryaiva's Kinsman.
6 All treasures hast thou won, of plains and mountains, and quelled the Dāsas' and Āryas' hatred. Like the bold hero Cyavāna, O Agni, mayst thou subdue the men who long for battle.
7 Deft Agni hath a lengthened thread, tall oxen, a thousand heifers, numberless devices. Decked by the men, splendid among the splendid, shine brightly forth amid devout Sumitras.
8 Thine is the teeming cow, O Jātavedas, who pours at once her ceaseless flow, Sabardhuk, Thou. art lit up by men enriched with guerdon, O Agni, by the pious-souled Sumitras.
9 Even Immortal Gods, O Jātavedas, Vadhryasva's Kinsman, have declared thy grandeur. When human tribes drew near with supplication thou conqueredst with men whom thou hadst strengthened.
10 Like as a father bears his son, O Agni, Vadhryasva bare thee in his lap and served thee. Thou, Youngest God, having enjoyed his fuel, didst vanquish those of old though they were mighty.
11 Vadhryasva's Agni evermore hath vanquished his foes with heroes who had pressed the Soma. Lord of bright rays, thou burntest up the battle, subduing, as our help, e’en mighty foemen.
ayám agnír vadhriaśvásya vr̥trahā́ sanakā́t préddho námasopavākíyaḥ | sá no ájāmīm̐r utá vā víjāmīn abhí tiṣṭha śárdhato vādhriaśva ||
12 This Agni of Vadhryasva, Vṛtra-slayer, lit from of old, must be invoked with homage. As such assail our enemies, Vadhryasva, whether the foes be strangers or be kinsmen.
1 ENJOY, O Agni, this my Fuel, welcome the oil-filled ladle where we pour libation. Rise up for worship of the Gods, wise Agni, on the earth's height, while days are bright with beauty.
2 May he who goes before the Gods come hither with steeds whose shapes are varied, Narasarhsa. May he, most Godlike, speed our offered viands with homage God-ward on the path of Order.
3 Men with oblations laud most constant Agni, and pray him to perform an envoy's duty. With lightly-rolling car and best draught-horses, bring the Gods hither and sit down as Hotar.
4 May the delight of Gods spread out transversely: may it be with us long in length and fragrant. O Holy Grass divine, with friendly spirit bring thou the willing Gods whose Chief is Indra.
5 Touch ye the far-extending height of heaven or spring apart to suit the wide earth's measure. Yearning, ye Doors, with those sublime in greatness, seize eagerly the heavenly Car that cometh.
6 Here in this shrine may Dawn and Night, the Daughters of Heaven, the skilful Goddesses, be seated. In your wide lap, auspicious, willing Ladies may the Gods seat them with a willing spirit.
7 Up stands the stone, high burns the fire enkindled: Aditi's lap contains the Friendly Natures Ye Two Chief Priests who serve at this our worship, may ye, more skilled, win for us rich possessions.
8 On our wide grass, Three Goddesses be seated: for you have we prepared and made it pleasant. May Iḷā, she whose foot drops oil, the Goddess, taste, man-like, sacrifice and well-set presents.
9 Since thou, God Tvaṣṭar, hast made beauty perfect, since hou hast been the Aṅgirases' Companion, Willing, most wealthy, Giver of possessions, grant us the Gods’ assembly, thou who knowest.
10 Well-knowing, binding with thy cord, bring hither, Lord of the Wood, the Deities' assembly. The God prepare and season our oblations may Heaven and Earth be gracious to my calling.
11 Agni, bring hither Varuṇa to help us, Indra from heaven, from air's mid-realm the Maruts. On sacred grass all Holy ones be seated and let the Immortal Gods rejoice in Svāhā.
1 WHEN-men, Bṛhaspati, giving names to objects, sent out Vāk's first and earliest utterances, All that was excellent and spotless, treasured within them, was disclosed through their affection.
2 Where, like men cleansing corn-flour in a cribble, the wise in spirit have created language, Friends see and recognize the marks of friendship: their speech retains the blessed sign imprinted.
3 With sacrifice the trace of Vāk they followed, and found her harbouring within the Ṛṣis. They brought her, dealt her forth in many places: seven singers make her tones resound in concert.
4 One man hath ne’er seen Vāk, and yet he seeth: one man hath hearing but hath never heard her. But to another hath she shown her beauty as a fond well-dressed woman to her husband.
5 One man they call a laggard, dull in friendship: they never urge him on to deeds of valour. He wanders on in profitless illusion: the Voice he heard yields neither fruit, nor blossom.
6 No part in Vāk hath he who hath abandoned his own dear friend who knows the truth of friendship. Even if he hears her still in vain he listens: naught knows he of the path of righteous action.
akṣaṇvántaḥ kárṇavantaḥ sákhāyo manojavéṣu ásamā babhūvuḥ | ādaghnā́sa upakakṣā́sa u tve hradā́ iva snā́tvā u tve dadr̥śre ||
7 Unequal in the quickness of their spirit are friends endowed alike with eyes and hearing. Some look like tanks that reach the mouth or shoulder, others like pools of water fit to bathe in.
8 When friendly Brahmans sacrifice together with mental impulse which the heart hath fashioned, They leave one far behind through their attainments, and some who count as Brahmans wander elsewhere.
imé yé nā́rvā́ṅ ná paráś cáranti ná brāhmaṇā́so ná sutékarāsaḥ | tá eté vā́cam abhipádya pāpáyā sirī́s tántraṃ tanvate áprajajñayaḥ ||
9 Those men who step not back and move not forward, nor Brahmans nor preparers of libations, Having attained to Vāk in sinful fashion spin out their thread in ignorance like spinsters.
10 All friends are joyful in the friend who cometh in triumph, having conquered in assembly. He is their blame-averter, food-provider prepared is he and fit for deed of vigour.
r̥cā́ṃ tuvaḥ póṣam āste pupuṣvā́n gāyatráṃ tvo gāyati śákvarīṣu | brahmā́ tuvo vádati jātavidyā́ṃ yajñásya mā́trāṃ ví mimīta u tvaḥ ||
11 One plies his constant task reciting verses. one sings the holy psalm in Sakvari measures. One more, the Brahman, tells the lore of being, and one lays down the rules of sacrificing.
1 THOU wast born mighty for victorious valour, exulting, strongest, full of pride and courage. There, even there, the Maruts strengthened Indra when. his most rapid Mother stirred the Hero.
2 There with fiend's ways e’en Pṛśni was seated: with much laudation they exalted Indra. As if encompassed by the Mighty-footed, from darkness, near at hand, forth came the Children.
3 High are thy feet when on thy way thou goest: the strength thou foundest here hath lent thee vigour. Thousand hyenas in thy mouth thou holdest. O Indra, mayst thou turn the Aśvins hither.
4 Speeding at once to sacrifice thou comest for friendship thou art bringing both Nāsatyas. Thou hadst a thousand treasures in possession. The Aśvins, O thou Hero, gave thee riches.
5 Glad, for the race that rests on holy Order, with friends who hasten to their goal, hath Indra With these his magic powers assailed the Dasyu: he cast away the gloomy mists, the darkness.
6 Two of like name for him didst thou demolish, as Indra striking down the car of Uṣas. With thy beloved lofty Friends thou camest, and with the assurance of thine heart thou slewest.
7 War-loving Namuci thou smotest, robbing the Dāsa of his magic for the Ṛṣi. For man thou madest ready pleasant pathways, paths leading as it were directly God-ward.
8 These names of thine thou hast fulfilled completely: as Lord, thou boldest in thine arm, O Indra. In thee, through thy great might, the Gods are joyful: the roots of trees hast thou directed upward.
9 May the sweet Soma juices make him happy to cast his quoit that lies in depth of waters. Thou from the udder which o’er earth is fastened hast poured the milk into the kine and herbage.
áśvād iyāya íti yád vádanti ójaso jātám utá manya enam | manyór iyāya harmiyéṣu tasthau yátaḥ prajajñá índro asya veda ||
10 When others call him offspring of the Courser, my meaning is that Mighty Power produced him. He came from Manyu and remained in houses: whence he hath sprung is known to Indra only.
11 Like birds of beauteous wing the Priyamedhas, Ṛṣis, imploring, have come nigh to Indra: Dispel the darkness and fill full our vision deliver us as men whom snares entangle.
1 I AM prepared to laud with song or worship the Noble Ones who are in earth and heaven, Or Coursers who have triumphed in, the contest, or those who famed, have won the prize with glory.
2 Their call, the call of Gods, went up to heaven: they kissed the ground with glory-seeking spirit, There where the Gods look on for happy fortune, and like the kindly heavens bestow their bounties.
iyám eṣām · amŕ̥tānã́ṃ gī́ḥ sarvátātā yé kr̥páṇanta rátnam | dhíyaṃ ca yajñáṃ ca sā́dhantas té no dhāntu vasavíyam ásāmi ||
3 This is the song of those Immortal Beings who long for treasures in their full perfection. May these, completing prayers and sacrifices, bestow upon us wealth where naught is wanting.
ā́ tát ta indra āyávaḥ pananta abhí yá ūrváṃ gómantaṃ títr̥tsān | sakr̥tsúvaṃ yé puruputrā́m mahī́ṃ sahásradhārām br̥hatī́ṃ dúdukṣan ||
4 Those living men extolled thy deed, O Indra, those who would fain burst through the stall of cattle, Fain to milk her who bare but once, great, lofty, whose Sons are many and her streams past number.
5 Sacivan, win to your assistance Indra who never bends, who overcomes his foemen. Ṛbhukṣan, Maghavan, the hymn's upholder, who, rich in food, bears man's kind friend, the thunder.
6 Since he who won of old anew hath triumphed, Indra hath earned his name of Vṛtra-slaycr. He hath appeared, the mighty Lord of Conquest. What we would have him do let him accomplish.
1 THE singer, O ye Waters in Vivasvān's place, shall tell your grandeur forth that is beyond compare. The Rivers have come forward triply, seven and seven. Sindhu in might surpasses all the streams that flow.
2 Varuṇa cut the channels for thy forward course, O Sindhu, when thou rannest on to win the race. Thou speedest o’er precipitous ridges of the earth, when thou art Lord and Leader of these moving floods.
3 His roar is lifted up to heaven above the earth: he puts forth endless vigour with a flash of light. Like floods of rain that fall in thunder from the cloud, so Sindhu rushes on bellowing like a bull.
4 Like mothers to their calves, like milch kine with their milk, so, Sindhu, unto thee the roaring rivers run. Thou leadest as a warrior king thine army's wings what time thou comest in the van of these swift streams.
5 Favour ye this my laud, O Gan! gā, Yamunā, O Sutudri, Paruṣṇī and Sarasvatī: With Asikni, Vitasta, O Marudvrdha, O Ārjīkīya with Susoma hear my call.
6 First with Trstama thou art eager to flow forth, with Rasā, and Susartu, and with Svetya here, With Kubha; and with these, Sindhu and Mehatnu, thou seekest in thy course Krumu and Gomati.
7 Flashing and whitely-gleaming in her mightiness, she moves along her ample volumes through the realms, Most active of the active, Sindhu unrestrained, like to a dappled mare, beautiful, fair to see.
8 Rich in good steeds is Sindhu, rich in cars and robes, rich in gold, nobly-fashioned, rich in ample wealth. Blest Silamavati and young Urnavati invest themselves with raiment rich in store of sweets.
9 Sindhu hath yoked her car, light-rolling, drawn by steeds, and with that car shall she win booty in this fight. So have I praised its power, mighty and unrestrained, of independent glory, roaring as it runs.
10,76 Press-stones
10.LXXVI Press-stones
ā́ va r̥ñjasa ūrjã́ṃ víuṣṭiṣu índram marúto ródasī anaktana | ubhé yáthā no áhanī sacābhúvā sádaḥ-sado varivasyā́ta udbhídā ||
1 I GRASP at you when power and strength begin to dawn: bedew ye, Indra and the Maruts, Heaven and Earth, That Day and Night, in every hall of sacrifice, may wait on us and bless us when they first spring forth.
2 Press the libation out, most excellent of all: the Pressing-stone is grasped like a hand-guided steed. So let it win the valour that subdues the foe, and the fleet courser's might that speeds to ample wealth.
3 Juice that this Stone pours out removes defect of ours, as in old time it brought prosperity to man. At sacrifices they established holy rites on Tvaṣṭar's milk-blent juice bright with the hue of steeds.
ápa hata rakṣáso bhaṅgurā́vata skabhāyáta nírr̥tiṃ sédhatā́matim | ā́ no rayíṃ sárvavīraṃ sunotana devāvíyam bharata ślókam adrayaḥ ||
4 Drive ye the treacherous demons far away from us: keep Nirrti afar and banish Penury. Pour riches forth for us with troops of hero sons, and bear ye up, O Stones, the song that visits Gods.
5 To you who are more mighty than the heavens themselves, who, finishing your task with more than Vibhvan's speed, More rapidly than Vāyu seize the Soma juice, better than Agni give us food, to you I sing.
6 Stirred be the glorious Stones: let it press out the juice, the Stone with heavenly song that reaches up to heaven, There where the men draw forth the meath for which they long, sending their voice around in rivalry of speed.
sunvánti sómaṃ rathirā́so ádrayo nír asya rásaṃ gavíṣo duhanti té | duhánti ū́dhar upasécanāya káṃ náro havyā́ ná marjayanta āsábhiḥ ||
7 The Stones press out the Soma, swift as car-borne men, and, eager for the spoil, drain forth the sap thereof To fill the beaker, they exhaust the udder's store, as the men purify oblations with their lips.
eté naraḥ suápaso abhūtana yá índrāya sunuthá sómam adrayaḥ | vāmáṃ-vāmaṃ vo diviyā́ya dhā́mane vásu-vasu vaḥ pā́rthivāya sunvaté ||
8 Ye, present men, have been most skilful in your work, even ye, O Stones who pressed Soma for Indra's drink. May all ye have of fair go to the Heavenly Race, and all your treasure to the earthly worshipper.
10,77 Maruts
10.LXXVII Maruts
abhraprúṣo ná vācā́ pruṣā vásu havíṣmanto ná yajñā́ vijānúṣaḥ | sumā́rutaṃ ná brahmā́ṇam arháse gaṇám astoṣi eṣāṃ ná śobháse ||
1 As with their voice from cloud they sprinkle treasure so are the wise man's liberal sacrifices. I praise their Company that merits worship as the good Martits' priest to pay them honour.
śriyé máryāso añjī́m̐r akr̥ṇvata sumā́rutaṃ ná pūrvī́r áti kṣápaḥ | divás putrā́sa étā ná yetira ādityā́sas té akrā́ ná vāvr̥dhuḥ ||
2 The youths have wrought their ornaments for glory through many nights, —this noble band of Maruts. Like stags the Sons of Dyatis have striven onward, the Sons of Aditi grown strong like pillars.
prá yé diváḥ pr̥thivyā́ ná barháṇā tmánā riricré abhrā́n ná sū́riyaḥ | pā́jasvanto ná vīrā́ḥ panasyávo riśā́daso ná máryā abhídyavaḥ ||
3 They who extend beyond the earth and heaven, by their own mass, as from the cloud spreads Sūrya; Like mighty Heroes covetous of glory, like heavenly gallants who destroy the wicked.
yuṣmā́kam budhné apā́ṃ ná yā́mani vithuryáti ná mahī́ śratharyáti | viśvápsur yajñó arvā́g ayáṃ sú vaḥ práyasvanto ná satrā́ca ā́ gata ||
4 When ye come nigh, as in the depth of waters, the earth is loosened, as it were, and shaken. This your all-feedin sacrifice approaches: come all united, fraught, as ’twere with viands.
yūyáṃ dhūrṣú prayújo ná raśmíbhir jyótiṣmanto ná bhāsā́ víuṣṭiṣu | śyenā́so ná sváyaśaso riśā́dasaḥ pravā́so ná prásitāsaḥ pariprúṣaḥ ||
5 Ye are like horses fastened to the chariot poles, luminous with your beams, with splendour as at dawn; Like self-bright falcons, punishers of wicked men, like hovering birds urged forward, scattering rain around.
6 When ye come forth, O Maruts, from the distance, from the great treasury of rich possessions, Knowing, O Vasus, boons that should be granted, even from afar drive back the men who hate us.
yá udŕ̥ci · yajñé adhvareṣṭhā́ marúdbhiyo ná mā́nuṣo dádāśat | revát sá váyo dadhate suvī́raṃ sá devā́nām ápi gopīthé astu ||
7 He who, engaged in the rite's final duty brings, as a man, oblation to the Maruts, Wins him life's wealthy fulness, blest with heroes: he shall be present, too, where Gods drink Soma.
té hí yajñéṣu yajñíyāsa ū́mā āditiyéna nā́mnā śámbhaviṣṭhāḥ | té no avantu rathatū́r manīṣā́m maháś ca yā́man adhvaré cakānā́ḥ ||
8 For these are helps adored at sacrifices, bringing good fortune by their name Ādityas. Speeding on cars let them protect our praises, delighting in our sacrifice and worship.
10,78 Maruts
10.LXXVIII Maruts
víprāso ná mánmabhiḥ suādhíyo devāvíyo ná yajñaíḥ suápnasaḥ | rā́jāno ná citrā́ḥ susaṃdŕ̥śaḥ kṣitīnã́ṃ ná máryā arepásaḥ ||
1 Ye by your hymns are like high-thoughted singers, skilful, inviting Gods with sacrifices; Fair to behold, like Kings, with bright adornment, like spotless gallants, leaders of the people:
agnír ná yé bhrā́jasā rukmávakṣaso vā́tāso ná svayújaḥ sadyáūtayaḥ | prajñātā́ro ná jyáyiṣṭhāḥ+ sunītáyaḥ suśármāṇo ná sómā r̥táṃ yaté ||
2 Like fire with flashing flame, breast-bound with chains of gold, like tempest-blasts, self-moving, swift to lend your aid; As best of all foreknowers, excellent to guide, like Somas, good to guard the man who follows Law.
vā́tāso ná yé dhúnayo jigatnávo agnīnã́ṃ ná jihvā́ virokíṇaḥ | vármaṇvanto ná yodhā́ḥ śímīvantaḥ pitr̥̄ṇã́ṃ ná śáṃsāḥ surātáyaḥ ||
3 Shakers of all, like gales of wind they travel, like tongues of burning fires in their effulgence. Mighty are they as warriors clad in armour, and, like the Fathers' prayers, Most Bounteous Givers.
ráthānãṃ ná yè 'rā́ḥ sánābhayo jigīvā́ṃso ná śū́rā abhídyavaḥ | vareyávo ná máryā ghr̥taprúṣo abhisvartā́ro arkáṃ ná suṣṭúbhaḥ ||
4 Like spokes of car-wheels in one nave united, ever victorious like heavenly Heroes, Shedding their precious balm like youthful suitors, they raise their voice and chant their psalm as singers.
áśvāso ná yé jyáyiṣṭhāsa+ āśávo didhiṣávo ná rathíyaḥ sudā́navaḥ | ā́po ná nimnaír udábhir jigatnávo viśvárūpā áṅgiraso ná sā́mabhiḥ ||
5 They who are fleet to travel like the noblest steeds, long to obtain the prize like bounteous charioteers, Like waters speeding on with their precipitous floods, like omniform Aṅgirases with Sāma-hymns.
grā́vāṇo ná sūráyaḥ síndhumātara ādardirā́so ádrayo ná viśváhā | śiśū́lā ná krīḷáyaḥ sumātáro mahāgrāmó ná yā́mann utá tviṣā́ ||
6 Born from the stream, like press-stones are the Princes, for ever like the stones that crush in pieces; Sons of a beauteous Dame, like playful children, like a great host upon the march with splendour.
uṣásāṃ ná ketávo adhvaraśríyaḥ śubhaṃyávo ná añjíbhir ví aśvitan | síndhavo ná yayíyo bhrā́jadr̥ṣṭayaḥ parāváto ná yójanāni mamire ||
7 Like rays of Dawn, the visitors of sacrifice, they shine with ornaments as eager to be bright. Like rivers hasting on, glittering with their spears, from far away they measure out the distances.
subhāgā́n no devāḥ kr̥ṇutā surátnān asmā́n stotr̥̄́n maruto vāvr̥dhānā́ḥ | ádhi stotrásya sakhiyásya gāta sanā́d dhí vo ratnadhéyāni sánti ||
8 Gods, send us happiness and make us wealthy, letting us singers prosper, O ye Maruts. Bethink you of our praise and of our friendship: ye from of old have riches to vouchsafe us.
10,79 Agni
10.LXXIX Agni
ápaśyam asya maható mahitvám ámartiyasya mártiyāsu vikṣú | nā́nā hánū víbhr̥te sám bharete ásinvatī bápsatī bhū́ri attaḥ ||
1 I HAVE beheld the might of this Great Being. Immortal in the midst of tribes of mortals. His jaws now open and now shut together: much they devour, insatiately chewing.
2 His eyes are turned away, his head is hidden: unsated with his tongue he eats the fuel. With hands upraised, with reverence in the houses, for him they quickly bring his food together.
3 Seeking, as ’twere, his Mother's secret bosom, he, like a child, creeps on through wide-spread bushes. One he finds glowing like hot food made ready, and kissing deep within the earth's recmes.
4 This holy Law I tell you, Earth and Heaven: the Infant at his birth dovours his Parents. No knowledge of the God have I, a mortal. Yea, Agni knoweth best, for he hath wisdom.
5 This man who quickly gives him food, who offers his gifts of oil and butter and supports him, -Him with his thousand eyes he closely looks on: thou showest him thy face from all sides, Agni.
6 Agni, hast thou committed sin or treason among the Gods? In ignorance I ask thee. Playing, not playing, he gold-hued and toothless, hath cut his food up as the knife a victim.
7 He born in wood hath yoked his horses rushing in all directions, held with reins that glitter. The well-born friend hath carved his food with Vasus: in all his limbs he hath increased and prospered.
1 AGNI bestows the fleet prize-winning courser: Agni, the hero famed and firm in duty. Agni pervades and decks the earth and heaven, and fills the fruitful dame who teems with heroes.
2 Blest be the wood that feeds the active Agni: within the two great worlds hath Agni entered. Agni impels a single man to battle, and with him rends in pieces many a foeman.
3 Agni rejoiced the car of him who praised lim, and from the waters burnt away jarutha. Agni saved Atri in the fiery cavem, and made Nrmedha rich with troops of children.
4 Agni hath granted wealth that decks the hero, and sent the sage who wins a thousand cattle. Agni hath made oblations rise to heaven: to every place are Agni's laws extended.
5 With songs of praise the Ṛṣis call on Agni; on Agni, heroes worsted in the foray. Birds flying in the region call on Agni around a thousand cattle Agni wanders.
6 Races of human birth pay Agni worship, men who have sprung from Nahus' line adore him. Stablished in holy oil is Agni's pasture, on the Gandharva path of Law and Order.
7 The Ṛbhus fabricated prayer for Agni, and we with mighty hymns have called on Agni. Agni, Most Youthful God, protect the singer: win us by worship, Agni, great possessions.
10,81 Visvakarman
10.LXXXI Visvakarman
yá imā́ víśvā bhúvanāni júhvad ŕ̥ṣir hótā ní ásīdat pitā́ naḥ | sá āśíṣā dráviṇam ichámānaḥ prathamachád ávarām̐ ā́ viveśa ||
1 HE who sate down as Hotar-priest, the Ṛṣi, our Father, offering up all things existing, — He, seeking through his wish a great possession, came among men on earth as archetypal.
2 What was the place whereon he took his station? What was it that supported him? How was it? Whence Visvakarman, seeing all, producing the earth, with mighty power disclosed the heavens.
viśvátaścakṣur utá viśvátomukho viśvátobāhur utá viśvátaspāt | sám bāhúbhyāṃ dhámati sám pátatrair dyā́vābhū́mī janáyan devá ékaḥ ||
3 He who hath eyes on all sides round about him, a mouth on all sides, arms and feet on all sides, He, the Sole God, producing earth and heaven, weldeth them, with his arms as wings, together.
kíṃ svid vánaṃ ká u sá vr̥kṣá āsa yáto dyā́vāpr̥thivī́ niṣṭatakṣúḥ | mánīṣiṇo mánasā pr̥chátéd u tád yád adhyátiṣṭhad bhúvanāni dhāráyan ||
4 What was the tree, what wood in sooth produced it, from which they fashioned out the earth and heaven? Ye thoughtful men inquire within your spirit whereon he stood when he established all things.
5 Nine highest, lowest, sacrificial natures, and these thy mid-most here, O Visvakarman, Teach thou thy friends at sacrifice, O Blessed, and come thyself, exalted, to our worship.
6 Bring thou thyself, exalted with oblation, O Visvakarman, Earth and Heaven to worship. Let other men around us live in folly here let us have a rich and liberal patron.
vācás pátiṃ viśvákarmāṇam ūtáye manojúvaṃ vā́je adyā́ huvema | sá no víśvāni hávanāni joṣad viśváśambhūr ávase sādhúkarmā ||
7 Let us invoke to-day, to aid our labour, the Lord of Speech, the thought-swift Visvakarman. May he hear kindly all our invocations who gives all bliss for aid, whose works are righteous.
1 THE Father of the eye, the Wise in spirit, created both these worlds submerged in fatness. Then when the eastern ends were firmly fastened, the heavens and the earth were far extended.
2 Mighty in mind and power is Visvakarman, Maker, Disposer, and most lofty Presence. Their offerings joy in rich juice where they value One, only One, beyond the Seven Ṛṣis.
3 Father who made us, he who, as Disposer, knoweth all races and all things existing, Even he alone, the Deities' narne-giver, him other beings seek for information.
tá ā́yajanta dráviṇaṃ sám asmā ŕ̥ṣayaḥ pū́rve jaritā́ro ná bhūnā́ | asū́rte sū́rte rájasi niṣatté yé bhūtā́ni samákr̥ṇvann imā́ni ||
4 To him in sacrifice they offered treasures, —Ṛṣis of old, in numerous troops, as singers, Who, in the distant, near, and lower region, made ready all these things that have existence.
5 That which is earlier than this earth and heaven, before the Asuras and Gods had being, —What was the germ primeval which the waters received where all the Gods were seen together?
6 The waters, they received that germ primeval wherein the Gods were gathefed all together. It rested set upon the Unborn's navel, that One wherein abide all things existing.
ná táṃ vidātha yá imā́ jajā́na anyád yuṣmā́kam ántaram babhūva | nīhāréṇa prā́vr̥tā jálpiyā ca asutŕ̥pa ukthaśā́saś caranti ||
7 Ye will not find him who produced these creatures: another thing hath risen up among you. Enwrapt in misty cloud, with lips that stammer, hymn-chanters wander and are discontented.
1 HE who hath reverenced thee, Manyu, destructive bolt, breeds for himself forthwith all conquering energy. Ārya and Dāsa will we conquer with thine aid, with thee the Conqueror, with conquest conquest-sped.
2 Manyu was Indra, yea, the God, was Manyu, Manyu was Hotar, Varuṇa, Jātavedas. The tribes of human lineage worship Manyu. Accordant with thy fervour, Manyu, guard us.
3 Come hither, Manyu, mightier tham the mighty; chase, with thy fervour for ally, our foemen. Slayer of foes, of Vṛtra, and of Dasyu, bring thou to us all kinds of wealth and treasure.
4 For thou art, Manyu, of surpassing vigour, fierce, queller of the foe, and self-existent, Shared by all men, victorious, subduer: vouchsafe to us superior strengith in battles.
5 I have departed, still without a portion, wise God! according to thy will, the Mighty. I, feeble man, was wroth thee, O Manyu I am myself; come thou to give me vigour.
6 Come hither. I am all thine own; advancing turn thou to me, Victorious, All-supporter! Come to me, Manyu, Wielder of the Thunder: bethink thee of thy friend, and slay the Dasyus.
abhí préhi dakṣiṇató bhavā me ádhā vr̥trā́ṇi jaṅghanāva bhū́ri | juhómi te dharúṇam mádhvo ágram ubhā́ upāṃśú prathamā́ pibāva ||
7 Approach, and on my right hand hold thy station: so shall we slay a multitude of foemen. The best of meath I offer to support thee: may we be first to drink thereof in quiet.
1 BORNE on with thee, O Manyu girt by Maruts, let our brave men, impetuous, bursting forward, March on, like flames of fire in form, exulting, with pointed arrows, sharpening their weapons.
2 Flashing like fire, be thou, O conquering Manyu, invoked, O Victor, as our army's leader. Slay thou our foes, distribute their possessions: show forth thy vigour, scatter those who hate us.
3 O Manyu, overcome thou our assailant on! breaking, slaying, crushing down the foemen. They have not hindered thine impetuous vigour: Mighty, Sole born! thou makest them thy subjects.
4 Alone or many thou art worshipped, Manyu: sharpen the spirit of each clan for battle. With thee to aid, O thou of perfect splendour, we will uplift the glorious shout for conquest.
5 Unyielding bringing victory like Indra, O Manyu, be thou here our Sovran Ruler. To thy dear name, O Victor, we sing praises: we know the spring from which thou art come hither.
6 Twin-born with power, destructive bolt of thunder, the highest conquering might is thine, Subduer! Be friendly to its in thy spirit, Manyu, O Much-invoked, in shock of mighty battle.
sáṃsr̥ṣṭaṃ dhánam ubháyaṃ samā́kr̥tam asmábhyaṃ dattāṃ váruṇaś ca manyúḥ | bhíyaṃ dádhānā hŕ̥dayeṣu śátravaḥ párājitāso ápa ní layantām ||
7 For spoil let Varuṇa and Manyu give us the wealth of both sides gathered and collected; And let our enemies with stricken spirits, o’erwhelmed with terror, slink away defeated.
14 When on your three-wheeled chariot, O Aśvins, ye came as wooers unto Sūrya's bridal, Then all the Gods agreed to your proposal Pūṣan as Son elected you as Fathers.
16 The Brahmans, by their seasons, know, O Sūrya, those two wheels of thine: One kept concealed, those only who are skilled in highest truths have learned.
18 By their own power these Twain in close succession move; They go as playing children round the sacrifice. One of the Pair beholdeth all existing things; the other ordereth seasons and is born again.
19 He, born afresh, is new and new for ever ensign of days he goes before the Mornings Coming, he orders f6r the Gods their portion. The Moon prolongs the days of our existence.
20 Mount this, all-shaped, gold-hued, with strong wheels, fashioned of Kimsuka and Salmali, light-rolling, Bound for the world of life immortal, Sūrya: make for thy lord a happy bridal journey.
úd īrṣvā́taḥ pátivatī hí eṣā́ viśvā́vasuṃ námasā gīrbhír īḷe | anyā́m icha pitr̥ṣádaṃ víaktāṃ sá te bhāgó janúṣā tásya viddhi ||
21 Rise up from hence: this maiden hath a husband. I laud Visvavasu with hymns and homage. Seek in her father's home another fair one, and find the portion from of old assigned thee.
22 Rise up from hence, Visvavasu: with reverence we worship thee. Seek thou another willing maid, and with her husband leave the bride.
anr̥kṣarā́ r̥jávaḥ santu pánthā yébhiḥ sákhāyo yánti no vareyám | sám aryamā́ sám bhágo no ninīyāt sáṃ jāspatyáṃ suyámam astu devāḥ ||
23 Straight in direction be the path: s, and thornless, whereon our fellows travel to the wooing. Let Aryaman and Bhaga lead us: perfect, O Gods, the union of the wife and husband.
24 Now from the noose of Varuṇa I free thee, wherewith Most Blessed Savitar hath bound thee. In Law's seat, to the world of virtuous action, I give thee up uninjured with thy consort.
26 Let Pūṣan take thy hand and hence conduct thee; may the two Aśvins on their car transport thee. Go to the house to be the household's mistress and speak as lady ito thy gathered people.
27 Happy be thou and prosper witlh thy children here: be vigilant to rule thy household in this home. Closely unite thy body with this; man, thy lord. So shall ye, full of years, address your company.
34 Pungent is this, and bitter this, filled, as it were, with arrow-barbs, Empoisoned andṇot fit for use. The Brahman who knows Sūrya well deserves the garment of the bride.
36 I take thy hand in mine for happy fortune that thou mayst reach old age with me thy husband. Gods, Aryaman, Bhaga, Savitar, Purandhi, have given thee to be my household's mistress.
37 O Pūṣan, send her on as most auspicious, her who shall be the sharer of my pleasures; Her who shall twine her loving arms about me, and welcome all my love and mine embraces.
43 So may Prajāpati bring children forth to us; may Aryaman adorn us till old age come nigh. Not inauspicious enter thou thy husband's house: bring blessing to our bipeds and our quadrupeds.
44 Not evil-eyed, no slayer of thy husband, bring weal to cattle, radiant, gentlehearted; Loving the Gods, delightful, bearing heroes, bring blessing to our quadrupeds and bipeds.
1 MEN have abstained from pouring juice they count not Indra as a God. Where at the votary's store my friend Vrsakapi hath drunk his fill. Supreme is Indra over all.
2 Thou, Indra, heedless passest by the ill Vrsakapi hath wrought; Yet nowhere else thou findest place wherein to drink the Soma juice. Supreme is Indra over all.
kím ayáṃ tvā́ṃ vr̥ṣā́kapiś cakā́ra hárito mr̥gáḥ | yásmā irasyásī́d u nú aryó vā puṣṭimád vásu víśvasmād índra úttaraḥ ||
3 What hath he done to injure thee, this tawny beast Vrsakapi, With whom thou art so angry now? What is the votary's foodful store? Supreme is Indra over all.
yám imáṃ tváṃ vr̥ṣā́kapim priyám indrābhirákṣasi | śuvā́ nú asya jambhiṣad ápi kárṇe varāhayúr víśvasmād índra úttaraḥ ||
4 Soon may the hound who hunts the boar seize him and bite him in the car, O Indra, that Vrsakapi whom thou protectest as a friend, Supreme is Indra over all.
priyā́ taṣṭā́ni me kapír víaktā ví adūduṣat | śíro nú asya rāviṣaṃ ná sugáṃ duṣkŕ̥te bhuvaṃ víśvasmād índra úttaraḥ ||
5 Kapi hath marred the beauteous things, all deftly wrought, that were my joy. In pieces will I rend his head; the sinner's portion sball be woo. Supreme is Indra over all.
ná mát strī́ subhasáttarā ná suyā́śutarā bhuvat | ná mát práticyavīyasī ná sákthi údyamīyasī víśvasmād índra úttaraḥ ||
6 No Dame hath ampler charms than 1, or greater wealth of love's delights. None with more ardour offers all her beauty to her lord's embrace. Supreme is Indra over all.
uvé amba sulābhike yáthevāṅgá bhaviṣyáti | bhasán me amba sákthi me śíro me vī́va hr̥ṣyati víśvasmād índra úttaraḥ ||
7 Mother whose love is quickly wibn, I say what verily will be. My, breast, O Mother, and my head and both my hips seem quivering. Supreme is Indra over all.
8 Dame with the lovely hands and arms, with broad hair-plaits add ample hips, Why, O thou Hero's wife, art thou angry with our Vrsakapi? Supreme is Indra over all.
9 This noxious creature looks on me as one bereft of hero's love, Yet Heroes for my sons have I, the Maruts’ Friend and Indra's Queen. Supreme is Indra over all.
10 From olden time the matron goes to feast and general sacrifice. Mother of Heroes, Indra's Queen, the rite's ordainer is extolled. Supreme is Indra over all.
11 So have I heard Indrāṇī called most fortunate among these Dames, For never shall her Consort die in future time through length of days. Supreme is Indra overall.
12 Never, Indralni, have I joyed without my friend Vrsakapi, Whose welcome offering here, made pure with water, goeth to the Gods. Supreme is Indra over all.
vŕ̥ṣākapāyi révati súputra ā́d u súsnuṣe | ghásat ta índra ukṣáṇaḥ priyáṃ kācitkaráṃ havír víśvasmād índra úttaraḥ ||
13 Wealthy Vrsakapayi, blest with sons and consorts of thy sons, Indra will eat thy bulls, thy dear oblation that effecteth much. Supreme is Indra over all.
ukṣṇó hí me páñcadaśa sākám pácanti viṃśatím | utā́hám admi pī́va íd ubhā́ kukṣī́ pr̥ṇanti me víśvasmād índra úttaraḥ ||
14 Fifteen in number, then, for me a score of bullocks they prepare, And I devour the fat thereof: they fill my belly full with food. Supreme is Indra over all.
vr̥ṣabhó ná tigmáśr̥ṅgo antár yūthéṣu róruvat | manthás ta indra śáṃ hr̥dé yáṃ te sunóti bhāvayúr víśvasmād índra úttaraḥ ||
15 Like as a bull with pointed horn, loud bellowing amid the herds, Sweet to thine heart, O Indra, is the brew which she who tends thee pours. Supreme is Indra over all.
18 O Indra this Vrsakapi hath found a slain wild animal, Dresser, and new-made pan, and knife, and wagon with a load of wood. Supreme is Indra over all.
20 The desert plains and steep descents, how many leagues in length they spread! Go to the nearest houses, go unto thine home, Vrsakapi. Supreme is Indra over all.
21 Turn thee again Vrsakapi: we twain will bring thee happiness. Thou goest homeward on thy way along this path which leads to sleep. Supreme is Indra over all.
22 When, Indra and Vrsakapi, ye travelled upward to your home, Where was that noisome beast, to whom went it, the beast that troubles man? Supreme is Indra over all.
párśur ha nā́ma mānavī́ sākáṃ sasūva viṃśatím | bhadrám bhala tyásyā abhūd yásyā udáram ā́mayad víśvasmād índra úttaraḥ ||
23 Daughter of Manu, Parsu bare a score of children at a birth. Her portion verily was bliss although her burthen caused her grief.
10,87 Agni
10.LXXXVII Agni
rakṣoháṇaṃ vājínam ā́ jigharmi mitrám práthiṣṭham úpa yāmi śárma | śíśāno agníḥ krátubhiḥ sámiddhaḥ sá no dívā sá riṣáḥ pātu náktam ||
1 I BALM with oil the mighty Rakṣas-slayer; to the most famous Friend I come for shelter Enkindled, sharpened by our rites, may Agni protect us in the day and night from evil.
2 O Jātavedas with the teeth of iron, enkindled with thy flame attack the demons. Seize with thy longue the foolish gods' adorers: rend, put within thy mouth the raw-flesh caters.
3 Apply thy teeth, the upper and the lower, thou who hast both, enkindled and destroying. Roam also in the air, O King, around us, and with thy jaws assail the wicked spirits.
4 Bending thy shafts through sacrifices, Agni, whetting their points with song as if with whetstones, Pierce to the heart therewith the Yātudhānas, and break their arms uplifed to attack thee.
5 Pierce through the Yātudhāna's skin, O Agni; let the destroying dart with fire consume him. Rend his joints, Jātavedas, let the cater of flesh, flesh-seeking, track his mangled body.
6 Where now thou seest Agni Jātavedas, one of these demons standing still or roaming, Or flying on those paths in air's midregion, sharpen the shaft and as an archer pierce him.
7 Tear from the evil spirit, Jātavedas, what he hath seized and with his spears hath captured. Blazing before him strike him down, O Agni; let spotted carrion-eating kites devour him.
8 Here tell this forth, O Agni: whosoever is, he himself, or acteth as, a demon, Him grasp, O thou Most Youthful, with thy fuel. to the Mati-seer's eye give him as booty.
9 With keen glance guard the sacrifice, O Agni: thou Sage, conduct it onward to the Vasus. Let not the fiends, O Man-beholder, harm thee burning against the Rākṣasas to slay them.
10 Look on the fiend mid men, as Man-beholder: rend thou his three extremities in pieces. Demolish with thy flame his ribs, O Agni, the Yātudhāna's root destroy thou triply.
11 Thrice, Agni, let thy noose surround the demon who with his falsehood injures Holy Order. Loud roaring with thy flame, O Jātavedas, crush him and cast him down before the singer.
12 Lead thou the worshipper that eye, O Agni, wherewith thou lookest on the hoof-armed demon. With light celestial in Atharvan's manner burn up the foot who ruins truth with falsehood.
13 Agni, what curse the pair this day have uttered, what heated word the worshippers have spoken, Each arrowy taunt sped from the angry spirit, —pierce to the heart therewith the Yātudhānas.
14 With fervent heat exterminate the demons; destroy the fiends with burning flame, O Agni. Destroy with fire the foolish gods' adorers; blaze and destrepy the insatiable monsters.
15 May Gods destroy this day the evil-doer may each hot curse of his return and blast him. Let arrows pierce the liar in his vitals, and Visva's net enclose the Yātudhāna.
16 The fiend who smears himself with flesh of cattle, with flesh of horses and of human bodies, Who steals the milch-cow's milk away, O Agni, —tear off the heads of such with fiery fury.
17 The cow gives milk each year, O Man-regarder: let not the Yātudhāna ever taste it. If one would glut him with the biesting, Agni, pierce with thy flame his vitals as he meets thee.
18 Let the fiends drink the poison of the cattle; may Aditi cast off the evildoers. May the God Savitar give them up to ruin, and be their share of plants and herbs denied them.
sanā́d agne mr̥ṇasi yātudhā́nān ná tvā rákṣāṃsi pŕ̥tanāsu jigyuḥ | ánu daha sahámūrān kravyā́do mā́ te hetyā́ mukṣata daíviyāyāḥ ||
19 Agni, from days of old thou slayest demons: never shall Rākṣasas in fight o’ercome thee. Burn up the foolish ones, the flesh-devourers: let none of them escape thine heavenly arrow.
tuváṃ no agne adharā́d údaktāt tuvám paścā́d utá rakṣā purástāt | práti té te ajárāsas tápiṣṭhā agháśaṃsaṃ śóśucato dahantu ||
20 Guard us, O Agni, from above and under, protect us fl-om behind us and before us; And may thy flames, most fierce and never wasting, glowing with fervent heat, consume the sinner.
21 From rear, from front, from under, from above us, O King, protect us as a Sage with wisdom. Guard to old age thy friend, O Friend, Eternal: O Agni, as Immortal, guard us mortals.
1 DEAR, ageless sacrificial drink is offered in light-discovering, heaven-pervading Agni. The Gods spread forth through his Celestial Nature, that he might bear the world up and sustain it.
2 The world was swallowed and concealed in darkness: Agni was born, and light became apparent. The Deities, the broad earth, and the heavens, and plants, and waters gloried in his friendship.
3 Inspired by Gods who claim our adoration, I now will laud Eternal Lofty Agni, Him who hath spread abroad the earth with lustre, this heaven, and both the worlds, and air's mid-region.
4 Earliest Priest whom all the Gods accepted, and chose him, and anointed him with butter, He swiftly made all things that fly, stand, travel, all that hath motion, Agni Jātavedas.
5 Because thou, Agni, Jātavedas, stoodest at the world's head with thy refulgent splendour, We sent thee forth with hymns and songs and praises: thou filledst heaven and earth, God meet for worship.
6 Head of the world is Agni in the night-time; then, as the Sun, at morn springs up and rises. Then to his task goes the prompt Priest foreknowing the wondrous power of Gods who must be honoured.
7 Lovely is he who, kindled in his greatness, hath shone forth, seated in the heavens, refulgent. With resonant hymns all Gods who guard our bodies have offered up oblation in this Agni.
8 First the Gods brought the hymnal into being; then they engendered Agni, then oblation. He was their sacrifice that guards our bodies: him the heavens know, the earth, the waters know him.
9 He, Agni, whom the Gods have generated, in whom they offered up all worlds and creatures, He with his bright glow heated earth and heaven, urging himself right onward in his grandeur.
10 Then by the laud the Gods engendered Agni in heaven, who fills both worlds through strength and vigour. They made him to appear in threefold essence: he ripens plants of every form and nature.
11 What time the Gods, whose due is worship, set him as Sūrya, Son of Aditi, in heaven, When the Pair, ever wandering, sprang to being, all creatures that existed looked upon them.
12 For all the world of life the Gods made Agni Vaiśvānara to be the days' bright Banner, —Him who hath spread abroad the radiant Mornings, and, coming with his light, unveils the darkness.
13 The wise and holy Deities engendered Agni Vaiśvānara whom age ne’er touches. The Ancient Star that wanders on for ever, lofty and. strong, Lord of the Living Being.
14 We call upon the Sage with holy verses, Agni Vaiśvānara the ever-beaming, Who hath surpassed both heaven and earth in greatness: he is a God below, a God above us.
duvé srutī́ aśr̥ṇavam pitr̥̄ṇā́m aháṃ devā́nām utá mártiyānām | tā́bhyām idáṃ víśvam éjat sám eti yád antarā́ pitáram mātáraṃ ca ||
15 I have heard mention of two several pathways, ways of the Fathers and of Gods and mortals. On these two paths each moving creature travels, each thing between the Father and the Mother.
16 These two united paths bear him who journeys born from the head and pondered with the spirit He stands directed to all things existing, hasting, unresting in his fiery splendour.
17 Which of us twain knows where they speak together, upper and lower of the two rite-leaders? Our friends have helped to gather our assembly. They came to sacrifice; who will announce it?
18 How many are the Fires and Suns in number? What is the number of the Dawns and Waters? Not jestingly I speak to you, O Fathers. Sages, I ask you this for information.
19 As great as is the fair-winged Morning's presence to him who dwells beside us, Mātariśvan! Is what the Brahman does when he approaches to sacrifice and sits below the Hotar.
1 I WILL extol the most heroic Indra who with his might forced earth and sky asunder; Who hath filled all with width as man's Upholder, surpassing floods and rivers in his greatness.
sá sū́riyaḥ pári urū́ várāṃsi éndro vavr̥tyād ráthiyeva cakrā́ | átiṣṭhantam apasíyaṃ ná sárgaṃ kr̥ṣṇā́ támāṃsi tvíṣiyā jaghāna ||
2 Sūrya is he: throughout the wide expanses shall Indra turn him, swift as car-wheels, hither, Like a stream resting not but ever active he hath destroyed, with light, the black-hued darkness.
3 To him I sing a holy prayer, incessant new, matchless, common to the earth and heaven, Who marks, as they were backs, all living creatures: ne’er doth he fail a friend, the noble Indra.
4 I will send forth my songs in flow unceasing, like water from the ocean's depth, to Indra. Who to his car on both its sides securely hath fixed the earth and heaven as with an axle.
5 Rousing with draughts, the Shaker, rushing onward, impetuous, very strong, armed as with arrows Is Soma; forest trees and all the bushes deceive not Indra with their offered likeness.
ná yásya dyā́vāpr̥thivī́ ná dhánva nā́ntárikṣaṃ nā́drayaḥ sómo akṣāḥ | yád asya manyúr adhinīyámānaḥ śr̥ṇā́ti vīḷú rujáti sthirā́ṇi ||
6 Soma hath flowed to him whom naught can equal, the earth, the heavens, the firmament, the mountains, —When heightened in his ire his indignation shatters the firm and breaks the strong in pieces.
7 As an axe fells the tree so be slew Vṛtra, brake down the strongholds and dug out the rivers. He cleft the mountain like a new-made pitcher. Indra brought forth the kine with his Companions.
tuváṃ ha tyád r̥ṇayā́ indra dhī́ro asír ná párva vr̥jinā́ śr̥ṇāsi | prá yé mitrásya váruṇasya dhā́ma yújaṃ ná jánā minánti mitrám ||
8 Wise art thou, Punisher of guilt, O Indra. The sword lops limbs, thou smitest down the sinner, The men who injure, as it were a comrade, the lofty Law of Varuṇa and Mitra.
9 Men who lead evil lives, who break agreements, and injure Varuṇa, Aryaman and Mitra, —Against these foes, O Mighty Indra, sharpen, as furious death, thy Bull of fiery colour.
10 Indra is Sovran Lord of Earth and Heaven, Indra is Lord of waters and of mountains. Indra is Lord of prosperers and sages Indra must be invoked in rest and effort.
11 Vaster than days and nights, Giver of increase, vaster than firmament and flood of ocean, Vaster than bounds of earth and wind's extension, vaster than rivers and our lands is Indra.
prá śóśucatyā uṣáso ná ketúr asinvā́ te vartatām indra hetíḥ | áśmeva vidhya divá ā́ sr̥jānás tápiṣṭhena héṣasā dróghamitrān ||
12 Forward, as herald of refulgent Morning, let thine insatiate arrow fly, O Indra. And pierce, as ’twere a stone launched forth from heaven, with hottest blaze the men who love deception.
13 Him, verily, the moons, the mountains followed, the tall trees followed and the plants and herbage. Yearning with love both Worlds approached, the Waters waited on Indra when he first had being.
14 Where was the vengeful dart when thou, O Indra, clavest the demon ever beat on outrage? When fiends lay there upon the ground extended like cattle in the place of immolation?
15 Those who are set in enmity against us, the Ogaṇas, O Indra, waxen mighty, —Let blinding darkness follow those our foemen, while these shall have bright shining nights to light them.
16 May plentiful libations of the people, and singing Ṛṣis’ holy prayers rejoice thee. Hearing with love this common invocation, come unto us, pass by all those who praise thee.
evā́ te vayám indra bhuñjatīnā́ṃ vidyā́ma · sumatīnā́ṃ návānām | vidyā́ma vástor ávasā gr̥ṇánto viśvā́mitrā utá ta indra nūnám ||
17 O Indra, thus may we be made partakers of thy new favours that shall bring us profit. Singing with love, may we the Viśvāmitras win daylight even now through thee, O Indra.
18 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best hero in the fight where spoil is gathered, The Strong who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the Vṛtras, wins and gathers riches.
14 Forth from his navel came mid-air the sky was fashioned from his head Earth from his feet, and from his car the regions. Thus they formed the worlds.
15 Seven fencing-sticks had he, thrice seven layers of fuel were prepared, When the Gods, offering sacrifice, bound, as their victim, Puruṣa.
yajñéna yajñám ayajanta devā́s tā́ni dhármāṇi prathamā́ni āsan | té ha nā́kam mahimā́naḥ sacanta yátra pū́rve sādhiyā́ḥ sánti devā́ḥ ||
16 Gods, sacrificing, sacrificed the victim these were the earliest holy ordinances. The Mighty Ones attained the height of heaven, there where the Sādhyas, Gods of old, are dwelling.
1 BRISK, at the place of Iḷā, hymned by men who wake, our own familiar Friend is kindled in the house; Hotar of all oblation, worthy of our choice, Lord, beaming, trusty friend to one who loveth him.
2 He, excellent in glory, guest in every house, finds like a swift-winged bird a home in every tree. Benevolent to men, he scorns no living man: Friend to the tribes of men he dwells with every tribe.
3 Most sage with insight, passing skilful with thy powers art thou, O Agni, wise with wisdom, knowing all. As Vasu, thou alone art Lord of all good things, of all the treasures that the heavens and earth produce.
4 Foreknowing well, O Agni, thou in Iḷā's place hast occupied thy regular station balmed with oil. Marked are thy comings like the comings of the Dawns, the rays of him who shineth spotless as the Sun.
5 Thy glories are, as lightnings from the rainy cloud, marked, many-hued, like heralds of the Dawns’ approach, When, loosed to wander over plants and forest trees, thou crammest by thyself thy food into thy mouth.
tám óṣadhīr dadhire gárbham r̥tvíyaṃ tám ā́po agníṃ janayanta mātáraḥ | tám ít samānáṃ vanínaś ca vīrúdho antárvatīś ca súvate ca viśváhā ||
6 Him, duly coming as their germ, have plants received: this Agni have maternal Waters brought to life. So in like manner do the forest trees and plants bear him within them and produce him evermore.
7 When, sped and urged by wind, thou spreadest thee abroad, swift piercing through thy food according to thy will, Thy never-ceasing blazes, longing to consume, like men on chariots, Agni, strive on every side.
8 Agni, the Hotar-priest who fills the assembly full, Waker of knowledge, chief Controller of the thought, —Him, yea, none other than thyself, doth man elect at sacrificial offerings great and small alike.
9 Here, Agni, the arrangers, those attached to thee, elect thee as their Priest in sacred gatherings, When men with strewn clipt grass and sacrificial gifts offer thee entertainment, piously inclined.
10 Thine is the Herald's task and Cleanser's duly timed; Leader art thou, and Kindler for the pious man. Thou art Director, thou the ministering Priest: thou art the Brahman, Lord and Master in our home.
11 When mortal man presents to thee Immortal God, Agni, his fuel or his sacrificial gift, Then thou art his Adhvaryu, Hotar, messenger, callest the Gods and orderest the sacrifice.
12 From us these hymns in concert have gone forth to him, these. holy words, these Ṛcas, songs and eulogies, Eager for wealth, to Jātavedas fain for wealth: when they have waxen strong they please their Strengthener.
13 This newest eulogy will I speak forth to him, the Ancient One who loves it. May he hear our voice. May it come near his heart and make it stir with love, as a fond well-dressed matron clings about her lord.
14 He in whom horses, bulls, oxen, and barren cows, and rams, when duly set apart, are offered up, —To Agni, Soma-sprinkled, drinker of sweet juice, Disposer, with my heart I bring a fair hymn forth.
15 Into thy mouth is poured the offering, Agni, as Soma into cup, oil into ladle. Vouchsafe us wealth. strength-winning, blest with heroes, wealth lofty, praised by men, and full of splendour.
1 I PRAISE your Charioteer of sacrifice, the Lord of men, Priest of the tribes, refulgent, Guest of night. Blazing amid dry plants, snatching amid the green, the Strong, the Holy Herald hath attained to heaven.
2 Him, Agni, Gods and men have made their chief support, who drinks the fatness and completes the sacrifice. With kisses they caress the Grandson of the Red, like the swift ray of light, the Household Priest of Dawn.
báḷ asya nīthā́ ví paṇéś ca manmahe vayā́ asya práhutā āsur áttave | yadā́ ghorā́so amr̥tatvám ā́śata ā́d íj jánasya daíviyasya carkiran ||
3 Yea, we discriminate his and the niggard's ways: his branches evermore are sent forth to consume. When his terrific flames have reached the Immortal's world, then men remember and extol the Heavenly Folk.
4 For then the net of Law, Dyaus, and the wide expanse, Earth, Worship, and Devotion meet for highest praise, Varuṇa, Indra, Mitra were of one accord, and Savitar and Bhaga, Lords of holy might.
5 Onward, with ever-roaming Rudra, speed the floods: over Aramati the Mighty have they run. With them Parijman, moving round his vast domain, loud bellowing, bedews all things that are within.
6 Straightway the Rudras, Maruts visiting all men, Falcons of Dyaus, home-dwellers with the Asura, —Varuṇa, Mitra, Aryaman look on with these, and the swift-moving Indra with swift-moving Gods.
índre bhújaṃ śaśamānā́sa āśata sū́ro dŕ̥śīke vŕ̥ṣaṇaś ca paúṃsiye | prá yé nú asya arháṇā tatakṣiré yújaṃ vájraṃ nr̥ṣádaneṣu kārávaḥ ||
7 With Indra have they found enjoyment, they who toil, in the light's beauty, in the very Strong One's strength; The singers who in men's assemblies forged for him, according to his due, his friend the thunderbolt.
8 Even the Sun's Bay Coursers hath lie held in check: each one fears Indra as the mightiest of all. Unhindered, from the air's vault thunders day by day the loud triumphant breathing of the fearful Bull.
9 With humble adoration show this day your song of praise to mighty Rudra, Ruler of the brave: With whom, the Eager Ones, going their ordered course, he comes from heaven Self-bright, auspicious, strong to guard.
10 For these have spread abroad the fame of human kind, the Bull Bṛhaspati and Soma's brotherhood. Atharvan first by sacrifices made men sure: through skill the Bhṛgus were esteemed of all as Gods.
11 For these, the Earth and Heaven with their abundant seed, four-bodied Narāśaṁsa, Yama, Aditi, God Tvaṣṭar Wealth-bestower, the Ṛbhukṣaṇas, Rodasī, Maruts, Viṣṇu, claim and merit praise.
12 And may he too give car, the Sage, from far away, the Dragon of the Deep, to this our yearning call. Ye Sun and Moon who dwell in heaven and move in turn, and with your thought, O Earth and Sky, observe this well.
13 Dear to all Gods, may Pūṣan guard the ways we go, the Waters’ child and Vāyu help us to success. Sing lauds for your great bliss to Wind, the breath of all: ye Aśvins prompt to hear, hear this upon your way.
14 With hymns of praise we sing him who is throned as Lord over these fearless tribes, the Self-resplendent One. We praise Night's youthful Lord benevolent to men, the foeless One, the free, with all celestial Dames.
15 By reason of his birth here Aṅgiras first sang: the pressing-stones upraised beheld the sacrifice-The stones through which the Sage became exceeding vast, and the sharp axe obtains in fight the beauteous place.
1 MIGHTY are ye, and far-extended, Heaven and Earth: both Worlds are evermore to us like two young Dames. Guard us thereby from stronger foe; guard us hereby to give us strength.
5 Come also to our dwelling, Lords of ample wealth, common partakers of our waters, Sun and Moon, When the great Dragon of the Deep hath settled down upon their floors.
utá no devā́v aśvínā śubhás pátī dhā́mabhir mitrā́váruṇā uruṣyatām | maháḥ sá rāyá éṣate áti dhánveva duritā́ ||
6 And let the Aśvins, Lords of splendour, set us free, —both Gods, and, with their Laws, Mitra and Varuṇa. Through woes, as over desert lands, he speeds to ample opulence.
7 Yea, let the Aśvins Twain he gracious unto us, even Rudras, and all Gods, Bhaga, Rathaspati; Parijman, Ṛbhu, Vāja, O Lords of all wealth Ṛbhukṣaṇas.
r̥bhúr r̥bhukṣā́ r̥bhúr vidható máda ā́ te hárī jūjuvānásya vājínā | duṣṭáraṃ yásya sā́ma cid ŕ̥dhag yajñó ná mā́nuṣaḥ ||
8 Prompt is Ṛbhukṣan, prompt the worshipper's strong drink: may thy fleet Bay Steeds, thine who speedest on, approach. Not mans but God's is sacrifice whose psalm is unassailable.
kr̥dhī́ no · áhrayo deva savitaḥ sá ca stuṣe maghónãm | sahó na índro váhnibhir ní eṣãṃ carṣaṇīnā́ṃ cakráṃ raśmíṃ ná yoyuve ||
9 O God Savitar, harmed by none, lauded, give us a place among wealthy princes. With his Car-steeds at once 'hath our Indra guided the reins and the car of these men.
10 To these men present here, O Heaven and Earth, to us grant lofty fame extending over all mankind. Give us a steed to win us strength, a steed with wealth for victory.
11 This speaker, Indra—for thou art our Friend—wherever he may be, guard thou, Victor! for help, ever for help Thy wisdom, Vasu! prosper him.
etám me stómaṃ tanā́ ná sū́rye dyutádyāmānaṃ vāvr̥dhanta nr̥̄ṇã́m+ | saṃvánanaṃ ná áśviyaṃ táṣṭeva ánapacyutam ||
12 So have they strengthened this mine hymn which seems to take its bright path to the Sun, and reconciles the men: Thus forms a carpenter the yoke of horses, not to be displaced.
13 Whose chariot-seat hath come again laden with wealth and bright with gold, Lightly, with piercing ends, as ’twere two ranks of heroes ranged for fight.
14 This to Duḥśīma Pṛthavāna have I sung, to Vena, Rama, to the nobles, and the King. They yoked five hundred, and their love of us was famed upon their way.
ádhī́n nú átra saptatíṃ ca saptá ca sadyó didiṣṭa tā́nuvaḥ | sadyó didiṣṭa pārthiyáḥ sadyó didiṣṭa māyaváḥ ||
15 Besides, they showed us seven-and-seventy horses here. Tānva at once displayed his gift, Pārthya at once displayed his gift; and straightway Māyava showed his.
1 LET these speak loudly forth; let us speak out aloud: to the loud speaking Pressing-stones address the speech; When, rich with Soma juice, Stones of the mountain, ye, united, swift to Indra bring the sound of praise.
2 They speak out like a hundred, like a thousand men: they cry aloud to us with their green-tinted mouths, While, pious Stones, they ply their task with piety, and, even before the Hotar, taste the offered food.
3 Loudly they speak, for they have found the savoury meath: they make a humming sound over the meat prepared. As they devour the branch of the Red-coloured Tree, these, the well-pastured Bulls, have uttered bellowings.
4 They cry aloud, with strong exhilarating drink, calling on Indra now, for they have found the meath. Bold, with the sisters they have danced, embraced by them, making the earth reecho with their ringing sound.
5 The Eagles have sent forth their cry aloft in heaven; in the sky's vault the dark impetuous ones have danced. Then downward to the nether stone's fixt place they sink, and, splendid as the Sun, effuse their copious stream.
6 Like strong ones drawing, they have put forth all their strength: the Bulls, harnessed together, bear the chariot-poles. When they have bellowed, panting, swallowing their food, the sound of their loud snorting is like that of steeds.
7 To these who have ten workers and a tenfold girth, to these who have ten yoke-straps and ten binding thongs, To these who bear ten reins, the eternal, sing ye praise, to these who bear ten car-poles, ten when they are yoked.
té ádrayo dáśayantrāsa āśávas téṣām ādhā́nam pári eti haryatám | tá ū sutásya somiyásya ándhaso aṃśóḥ pīyū́ṣam prathamásya bhejire ||
8 These Stones with ten conductors, rapid in their course, with lovely revolution travel round and round. They have been first to drink the flowing Soma juice, first to enjoy the milky fluid of the stalk.
9 These Soma-eaters kiss Indra's Bay-coloured Steeds: draining. the stalk they sit upon the ox's hide. Indra, when he hath drunk Soma-meath drawn by them, waxes in strength, is famed, is mighty as a Bull.
10. Strong is your stalk; ye, verily, never shall be harmed; ye have refreshment, ye are ever satisfied. Fair are ye, as it were, through splendour of his wealth, his in whose sacrifice, O Stones, ye find delight.
11 Bored deep, but not pierced through with holes, are ye, O Stones, not loosened, never weary, and exempt from death, Eternal, undiseased, moving in sundry ways, unthirsting, full of fatness, void of all desire.
12 Your fathers, verily, stand firm from age to age: they, loving rest, are not dissevered from their seat. Untouched by time, ne’er lacking green plants and green trees, they with their voice have caused the heavens and earth to hear.
13 This, this the Stones proclaim, what time they are disjoined, and when with ringing sounds they move and drink the balm. Like tillers of the ground when they are sowing seed, they mix the Soma, nor, devouring, minish it.
14 They have raised high their voice for juice, for sacrifice, striking the Mother earth as though they danced thereon. So loose thou too his thought who hath effused the sap, and let the Stones which we are honouring be disjoined.
10,95 Urvasi-Purūravas
10.Purūravas XCV Urvasi.
hayé jā́ye mánasā tíṣṭha ghore vácāṃsi miśrā́ kr̥ṇavāvahai nú | ná nau mántrā ánuditāsa eté máyas karan páratare canā́han ||
1 Ho there, my consort! Stay, thou fierce-souled lady, and let us reason for a while together. Such thoughts as these of ours, while yet unspoken in days gone by have never brought us comfort.
2 What am I now to do with this thy saying? I have gone from thee like the first of Mornings. Purūravas, return thou to thy dwelling: I, like the wind, am difficult to capture.
íṣur ná śriyá iṣudhér asanā́ goṣā́ḥ śatasā́ ná ráṃhiḥ | avī́re krátau ví davidyutan ná úrā ná māyúṃ citayanta dhúnayaḥ ||
3 Like a shaft sent for glory from the quiver, or swift-steed winning cattle winning hundreds. The lightning seemed to flash, as cowards planned it. The minstrels bleated like a lamb in trouble.
4 Giving her husband's father life and riches, from the near dwelling, when her lover craved her, She sought the home wherein she found her pleasure, accepting day and night her lord's embraces.
tríḥ sma mā́hnaḥ śnathayo vaitaséna utá sma me áviyatyai pr̥ṇāsi | púrūravo ánu te kétam āyaṃ rā́jā me vīra tanúvas tád āsīḥ ||
5 Thrice in the day didst thou embrace thy consort, though coldly she received thy fond caresses. To thy desires, Purūravas, I yielded: so wast thou king, O hero, of my body.
yā́ sujūrṇíḥ śráyaṇiḥ+ sumnáāpir hradécakṣur ná granthínī caraṇyúḥ | tā́ añjáyo aruṇáyo ná sasruḥ śriyé gā́vo ná dhenávo 'navanta ||
6 The maids Sujirni, Sreni, Sumne-api, Charanyu, Granthini, and Hradecaksus, —These like red kine have hastened forth, the bright ones, and like milch-cows have lowed in emulation.
7 While he was born the Dames sate down together, the Rivers with free kindness gave him nurture; And then, Purūravas, the Gods increased thee for mighty battle, to destroy the Dasyus.
sácā yád āsu jáhatīṣu átkam ámānuṣīṣu mā́nuṣo niṣéve | ápa sma mát tarásantī ná bhujyús tā́ atrasan rathaspŕ̥śo ná áśvāḥ ||
8 When I, a mortal, wooed to mine embraces these heavenly nymphs who laid aside their raiment, Like a scared snake they fled from me in terror, like chariot horses when the car has touched them.
yád āsu márto amŕ̥tāsu nispŕ̥k sáṃ kṣoṇī́bhiḥ · krátubhir ná pr̥ṅkté | tā́ ātáyo ná tanvàḥ śumbhata svā́ áśvāso ná krīḷáyo dándaśānāḥ ||
9 When, loving these Immortal Ones, the mortal hath converse with the nymphs as they allow him. Like swans they show the beauty of their bodies, like horses in their play they bite and nibble.
10 She who flashed brilliant as the falling lightning brought me delicious presents from the waters. Now from the flood be born a strong young hero May Uruvasi prolong her life for ever
jajñiṣá itthā́ gõpī́thiyāya hí dadhā́tha tát purūravo ma ójaḥ | áśāsaṃ tvā vidúṣī sásmin áhan ná ma ā́śr̥ṇoḥ kím abhúg vadāsi ||
11 Thy birth hath made me drink from earthly milch-kine: this power, Purūravas, hast thou vouchsafed me. I knew, and, warned thee, on that day. Thou wouldst not hear me. What sayest thou, when naught avails thee?
12 When will the son be born and seek his father? Mourner-like, will he weep when first he knows him? Who shall divide the accordant wife and husband, while fire is shining with thy consort's parents?
práti bravāṇi vartáyate áśru cakrán ná krandad ādhíye śivā́yai | prá tát te · hinavā yát te asmé párehi ástaṃ nahí mūra mā́paḥ ||
13 I will console him when his tears are falling: he shall not weep and cry for care that blesses. That which is thine, between us, will I send thee. Go home again, thou fool; ṭhou hast not won me.
14 Thy lover shall flee forth this day for ever, to seek, without return, the farthest distance. Then let his bed be in Destruction's bosom, and there let fierce rapacious wolves devour him.
15 Nay, do not die, Purūravas, nor vanish: let not the evil-omened wolves devour thee. With women there can be no lasting friendship: hearts of hyenas are the hearts of women.
16 When amid men in altered shape I sojourned, and through four autumns spent the nights among them, I tasted once a day a drop of butter; and even now with that am I am contented.
antarikṣaprā́ṃ rájaso vimā́nīm úpa śikṣāmi urváśīṃ vásiṣṭhaḥ | úpa tvā rātíḥ sukr̥tásya tíṣṭhān ní vartasva hŕ̥dayaṃ tapyate me ||
17 I, her best love, call Urvasi to meet me, her who fills air and measures out the region. Let the gift brought by piety approach thee. Turn thou to me again: my heart is troubled.
18 Thus speak these Gods to thee, O son of Iḷā: As death hath verily got thee for his subject, Thy sons shall serve the Gods with their oblation, and thou, moreover, shalt rejoice in Svarga.
10,96 Indra
10.XCVI Indra
prá te mahé vidáthe śaṃsiṣaṃ hárī prá te vanve vanúṣo haryatám mádam | ghr̥táṃ ná yó háribhiś cā́ru sécata ā́ tvā viśantu hárivarpasaṃ gíraḥ ||
1 In the great synod will I laud thy two Bay Steeds: I prize the sweet strong drink of thee the Warrior-God, His who pours lovely oil as ’twere with yellow drops. Let my songs enter thee whose form hath golden tints.
2 Ye who in concert sing unto the goldhued place, like Bay Steeds driving onward to the heavenly seat, For Indra laud ye strength allied with Tawny Steeds, laud him whom cows content as ’twere with yellow drops.
só asya vájro hárito yá āyasó hárir níkāmo hárir ā́ gábhastiyoḥ | dyumnī́ suśipró hárimanyusāyaka índre ní rūpā́ háritā mimikṣire ||
3 His is that thunderbolt, of iron, goldenhued, gold-coloured, very dear, and yellow in his arms; Bright with strong teeth, destroying with its tawny rage. In Indra are set fast all forms of golden hue.
diví ná ketúr ádhi dhāyi haryató vivyácad vájro hárito ná ráṃhiyā | tudád áhiṃ háriśipro yá āyasáḥ sahásraśokā abhavad dharimbharáḥ ||
4 As if a lovely ray were laid upon the sky, the golden thunderbolt spread out as in a race. That iron bolt with yellow jaw smote Ahi down. A thousand flames had he who bore the tawny-hued.
5 Thou, thou, when praised by men who sacrificed of old. hadst pleasure in their lauds, O Indra golden-haired. All that befits thy song of praise thou welcornest, the perfect pleasant gift, O Golden-hued from birth.
6 These two dear Bays bring hither Indra on his car, Thunder-armed, joyous, meet for laud, to drink his fill. Many libations flow for him who loveth them: to Indra have the gold-hued Soma juices run.
7 Tle gold-hued drops have flowed to gratify his wish: the yellow dro s have urged the swift Bays to the Strong. He who speeds on with Bay Steeds even as he lists hath satisfied his longing for the golden drops.
8 At the swift draught the Soma-drinker waxed in might, the Iron One with yellow beard and yellow hair. He, Lord of Tawny Coursers, Lord of fleet-foot Mares, will bear his Bay Steeds safely over all distress.
9 His yellow-coloured jaws, like ladles move apart, what time, for strength, he makes the yellow-tinted stir, When, while the bowl stands there, he grooms his Tawny Steeds, when he hath drunk strong drink, the sweet juice that he loves.
10 Yea, to the Dear One's seat in homes of heaven and earth the Bay Steeds' Lord hath whinnied like a horse for food. Then the great wish hath seized upon him mightily, and the Beloved One hath gained high power of life,
ā́ ródasī háryamāṇo mahitvā́ návyaṃ-navyaṃ haryasi mánma nú priyám | prá pastíyam asura haryatáṃ gór āvíṣ kr̥dhi háraye sū́riyāya ||
11 Thou, comprehending with thy might the earth and heaven, acceptest the dear hymn for ever new and new. O Asura, disclose thou and make visible the Cow's beloved home to the bright golden Sun.
12 O Indra, let the eager wishes of the folk bring thee, delightful, golden-visored, on thy car, That, pleased with sacrifice wherein ten fingers toil, thou mayest, at the feast, drink of our offered meath.
13 Juices aforetime, Lord of Bays, thou drankest; and thine especially is this libation. Gladden thee, Indra, with the meath-rich Soma: pour it down ever, Mighty One! within thee.
10,97 Praise of Herbs
10.of Herbs XCVII Praise
yā́ óṣadhīḥ pū́rvā jātā́ devébhyas triyugám purā́ | mánai nú babhrū́ṇām aháṃ śatáṃ dhā́māni saptá ca ||
1 HERBS that sprang up in time of old, three ages earlier than the Gods, — Of these, whose hue is brown, will I declare the hundred powers and seven.
śatáṃ vo amba dhā́māni sahásram utá vo rúhaḥ | ádhā śatakratvo yūyám imám me agadáṃ kr̥ta ||
2 Ye, Mothers, have a hundred homes, yea, and a thousand are your growths. Do ye who have a thousand powers free this my patient from disease.
8 The healing virtues of the Plants stream forth like cattle from the stall, —Plants that shall win me store of wealth, and save thy vital breath, O man.
1 COME, be thou Mitra, Varuṇa, or Pūṣan, come, O Bṛhaspati, to mine oblation: With Maruts, Vasus, or Ādityas, make thou Parjanya pour for Santanu his rain-drops.
2 The God, intelligent, the speedy envoy whom thou hast sent hath come to me, Devapi: Address thyself to me and turn thee hither within thy lips will I put brilliant language.
3 Within my mouth, Bṛhaspati, deposit speech lucid, vigorous, and free from weakness, Thereby to win for Santanu the rain-fall. The meath-rich drop from heaven hath passed within it.
ā́ no drapsā́ mádhumanto viśantu índra dehi ádhirathaṃ sahásram | ní ṣīda hotrám r̥tuthā́ yajasva devā́n devāpe havíṣā saparya ||
4 Let the sweet drops descend on us, O Indra: give us enough to lade a thousand wagons. Sit to thy Hotar task; pay worship duly, and serve the Gods, Devapi, with oblation.
5 Knowing the God's good-will, Devapi, Ṛṣi, the son of Rstisena, sate as Hotar. He hath brought down from heaven's most lofty summit the ocean of the rain, celestial waters.
6 Gathered together in that highest ocean, the waters stood by deities obstructed. They burried down set free by Arstisena, in gaping clefts, urged onward by Devapi.
7 When as chief priest for Santanu, Devapi, chosen for Hotar's duty, prayed beseeching, Graciously pleased Bṛhaspati vouchsafed him a voice that reached the Gods and won the waters.
8 O Agni whom Devapi Arstisena, the mortal man, hath kindled in his glory, Joying in him with all the Gods together, urge on the sender of the rain, Parjanya.
9 All ancient Ṛṣis with their songs approached thee, even thee, O Much-invoked, at sacrifices. We have provided wagon-loads in thousands: come to the solemn rite, Lord of Red Horses.
10 The wagon-loads, the nine-and-ninety thousand, these have been offered up to thee, O Agni. Hero, with these increase thy many bodies, and, stimulated, send us rain from heaven.
11 Give thou these ninety thousand loads, O Agni, to Indra, to the Bull, to be his portion. Knowing the paths which Deities duly travel, set mid the Gods in heaven Aulana also.
12 O Agni, drive afar our foes, our troubles chase malady away and wicked demons. From this air-ocean, from the lofty heavens, send down on us a mighty flood of waters.
1 WHAT Splendid One, Loud-voiced, Farstriding, dost thou, well knowing, urge us to exalt with praises? What give we him? When his might dawned, he fashioned the Vṛtra-slaying bolt, and sent us waters.
sá hí dyutā́ vidyútā véti sā́ma pr̥thúṃ yónim asuratvā́ sasāda | sá sánīḷebhiḥ prasahānó asya bhrā́tur ná r̥té saptáthasya māyā́ḥ ||
2 He goes to end his work with lightning flashes: wide is the seat his Asura glory gives him. With his Companions, not without his Brother, he quells Saptatha's magic devices.
3 On most auspicious path he goes to battle he toiled to win heaven's light, full fain to gain it; He seized the hundred-gated castle's treasure by craft, unchecked, and slew the lustful demons.
4 Fighting for kine, the prize of war, and I roaming among the berd be brings the young streams hither, Where, footless, joined, without a car to bear them, with jars for steeds, they pour their flood like butter.
5 Bold, unsolicited for wealth, with Rudras he came, the Blameless, having left his dwelling, Came, seized the food of Vamra and his consort, and left the couple weeping and unsheltered.
sá íd dā́saṃ tuvīrávam pátir dán ṣaḷakṣáṃ · triśīrṣā́ṇaṃ damanyat | asyá tritó nú ójasā vr̥dhānó vipā́ varāhám áyoagrayā han ||
6 Lord of the dwelling, he subdued the demon who roared aloud, six-eyed and triple-headed. Tṛta, made stronger by the might he lent him, struck down the boar with shaft whose point was iron.
sá drúhvaṇe mánuṣa ūrdhvasāná ā́ sāviṣad arśasānā́ya śárum | sá nŕ̥tamo náhuṣo 'smát sújātaḥ púro abhinad árhan dasyuhátye ||
7 He raised himself on high and shot his arrow against the guileful and oppressive foeman. Strong, glorious, manliest, for us he shattered the forts of Nabus when he slew the Dasyus.
só abhríyo ná yávasa udanyán kṣáyāya gātúṃ vidán no asmé | úpa yát sī́dad índuṃ śárīraiḥ śyenó áyoapāṣṭir hanti dásyūn ||
8 He, like a cloud that rains upon the pasture, hath found for us the way to dwell in safety. When the Hawk comes in body to the Soma, armed with his iron claws he slays the Dasyus.
sá vrā́dhataḥ śavasānébhir asya kútsāya śúṣṇaṃ kr̥páṇe párādāt | ayáṃ kavím anayac chasyámānam átkaṃ yó asya sánitotá nr̥̄ṇā́m+ ||
9 He with his potent Friends gave up the mighty, gave gusnia up to Kutsa for affliction. He led the lauded Kavi, he delivered Atka as prey to him and to his heroes.
ayáṃ daśasyán náriyebhir asya dasmó devébhir váruṇo ná māyī́ | ayáṃ kanī́na r̥tupā́ avedi ámimīta aráruṃ yáś cátuṣpāt ||
10 He, with his Gods who love mankind, the Wondrous, giving like Varuṇa who works with magic, Was known, yet young as guardian of the seasons; and he quelled Araru, four-footed dernon.
11 Through lauds of him hath Auśija Ṛjiśvan burst, with the Mighty's aid, the stall of Pipru. When the saint pressed the juice and shone as singer, he seized the forts and with his craft subdued them.
12 So, swiftly Asura, for exaltation, hath the great Vamraka come nigh to Indra. He will, when supplicated, bring him blessing: he hath brought all, food, strength, a happy dwelling.
1 Be, like thyself, O Indra, strong for our delight: here lauded, aid us, Maghavan, drinker of the juice. Savitar with the Gods protect us: hear ye Twain. We ask for freedom and complete felicity.
2 Bring swift, for offering, the snare that suits the time, to the pure-drinker Vāyu, roaring as he goes, To him who hath approached the draught of shining milk. We ask for freedom and complete felicity.
3 May Savitar the God send us full life, to each who sacrifices, lives aright and pours the juice That we with simple hearts may wait upon the Gods. We ask for freedom and complete felicity.
4 May Indra evermore be gracious unto us, and may King Soma meditate our happiness, Even as men secure the comfort of a friend. We ask for freedom and complete felicity.
5 Indra hath given the body with its song and strength: Bṛhaspati, thou art the lengthener of life. The sacrifice is Manu, Providence, our Sire. We ask for freedom and complete felicity.
6 Indra possesseth might celestial nobly formed: the singer in the house is Agni, prudent Sage. He is the sacrifice in synod, fair, most near. We ask for freedom and complete felicity,
ná vo gúhā cakr̥ma bhū́ri duṣkr̥táṃ nā́víṣṭiyaṃ vasavo devahéḷanam | mā́kir no devā ánr̥tasya várpasa ā́ sarvátātim áditiṃ vr̥ṇīmahe ||
7 Not often have we sinned against you secretly, nor, Vasus, have we openly provoked the Gods. Not one of its, ye Gods, hath worn an alien shape. We ask for freedom and complete felicity.
8 May Savitar remove from us our malady, and may the Mountains keep it far away from where The press-stone as it sheds the meath rings loudly forth. We ask for freedom and complete felicity.
9 Ye Vasus, let the stone, the presser stand erect: avert all enmities and keep them far remote. Our guard to be adored is Savitar this God. We ask for freedom and complete felicity.
10 Eat strength and fatness in the pasture, kine, who are balmed at the reservoir and at the seat of Law. So let your body be our body's medicine. We ask for freedom and complete felicity.
11 The singer fills the spirit: all mens, love hath he. Indra takes kindly care of those who pour the juice. For his libation is the heavenly udder full. We ask for freedom and complete felicity.
12 Wondrous thy spirit-filling light, triumpliant; thy hosts save from decay and are resistless. The pious votary by straightest pathway speeds to possess the best of all the cattle.
10,101 Viśvedevas
10.CI Viśvedevas
úd budhyadhvaṃ sámanasaḥ sakhāyaḥ sám agním indhvam bahávaḥ sánīḷāḥ | dadhikrā́m agním uṣásaṃ ca devī́m índrāvato ávase ní hvaye vaḥ ||
1 WAKE with one mind, my friends, and kindle Agni, ye who are many and who dwell together. Agni and Dadhikrās and Dawn the Goddess, you, Gods with Indra, I call down to help us.
2 Make pleasant hymns, spin out your songs and praises: build ye a ship equipped with oars for transport. Prepare the implements, make all things ready, and let the sacrifice, my friends, go forward.
3 Lay on the yokes, and fasten well the traces: formed is the furrow, sow the seed within it. Through song may we find bearing fraught with plenty: near to the ripened grain approach the sickle.
5 Arrange the buckets in their place securely fasten on the straps. We will pour forth the well that hath a copious stream, fair-flowing well that never fails.
7 Refresh the horses, win the prize before you: equip a chariot fraught with happy fortune. Pour forth the well with stone wheel, wooden buckets, the drink of heroes, with the trough for armour.
8 Prepare the cow-stall, for there drink your heroes: stitch ye the coats of armour, wide and many. Make iron forts, secure from all assailants let not your pitcher leak: stay it securely.
9 Hither, for help, I turn the holy heavenly mind of you the Holy Gods, that longs for sacrifice. May it pour milk for us, even as a stately cow who, having sought the pasture, yields a thousand streams.
10 Pour golden juice within the wooden vessel: with stone-made axes fashion ye and form it. Embrace and compass it with tenfold girdle, and to both chariot-poles attach the car-horse.
11 Between both poles the car-horse goes pressed closely, as in his dwelling moves the doubly-wedded. Lay in the wood the Soviran of the Forest, and sink the well although ye do not dig it.
12 Indra is he, O men, who gives us happiness: sport, urge the giver of delight to win us strength Bring quickly down, O priests, hither to give us aid, to drink the Soma, Indra Son of Nistigri.
10,102 Indra
10.CII Indra
prá te rátham mithūkŕ̥tam índro avatu dhr̥ṣṇuyā́ | asmínn ājaú puruhūta śravā́yiye dhanabhakṣéṣu no ava ||
1 FOR thee may Indra boldly speed the car that works on either side. Favour us, Much-invoked! in this most glorious fight against the raiders of our wealth.
2 Loose in the wind the woman's robe was streaming what time she won a car-load worth a thousand. The charioteer in fight was Mudgalani: she Indra's dart, heaped up the prize of battle.
3 O Indra, cast thy bolt among assailants who would slaughter us: The weapon both of Dāsa and of Ārya foe keep far away, O Maghavan.
udnó hradám apibaj járhr̥ṣāṇaḥ kū́ṭaṃ sma tr̥ṃhád abhímātim eti | prá muṣkábhāraḥ śráva ichámāno ajirám bāhū́ abharat síṣāsan ||
4 The bull in joy had drunk a lake of water. His shattering horn encountered an opponent. Swiftly, in vigorous strength, eager for glory, he stretched his forefeet, fain to win and triumph.
ní akrandayann upayánta enam ámehayan vr̥ṣabhám mádhya ājéḥ | téna sū́bharvaṃ śatávat sahásraṃ gávām múdgalaḥ pradháne jigāya ||
5 They came anear the bull; they made him thunder, made him pour rain down ere the fight was ended. And Mudgala thereby won in the contest well-pastured kine in hundreds and in thousands.
6 In hope of victory that bull was harnessed: Kesi the driver urged him on with shouting. As he ran swiftly with the car behind him his lifted heels pressed close on Mudgalani.
7 Deftly for him he stretched the car-pole forward, guided the bull thereto and firmly yoked him. Indra vouchsafed the lord of cows his favour: with mighty steps the buffalo ran onward.
8 Touched by the goad the shaggy beast went nobly, bound to the pole by the yoke's thong of leather. Performing deeds of might for many people, he, looking on the cows, gained strength and vigour.
9 Here look upon this mace, this bull's companion, now lying midway on the field of battle. Therewith hath Mudgala in ordered contest won for cattle for himself, a hundred thousand.
āré aghā́ kó nú itthā́ dadarśa yáṃ yuñjánti tám u ā́ sthāpayanti | nā́smai tŕ̥ṇaṃ nódakám ā́ bharanti úttaro dhuró vahati pradédiśat ||
10 Far is the evil: who hath here beheld it? Hither they bring the bull whom they are yoking. . To this they give not either food or water. Reaching beyond the pole it gives directions.
11 Like one forsaken, she hath found a husband, and teemed as if her breast were full and flowing. With swiftly-racing chariot may we conquer, and rich and blessed be our gains in battle.
12 Thou, Indra, art the mark whereon the eyes of all life rest, when thou, A Bull who drivest with thy bull, wilt win the race together with thy weakling friend.
1 SWIFT, rapidly striking, like a bull who sharpens his horns, terrific, stirring up the people, With eyes that close not, bellowing, Sole Hero, Indra. subdued at once a hundred armies.
2 With him loud-roaring, ever watchful, Victor, bold, hard to overthrow, Rouser of battle, Indra. the Strong, whose hand bears arrows, conquer, ye warriors, now, now vanquish in the combat.
sá íṣuhastaiḥ sá niṣaṅgíbhir vaśī́ sáṃsraṣṭā sá yúdha índro gaṇéna | saṃsr̥ṣṭajít somapā́ bāhuśardhī́ ugrádhanvā prátihitābhir ástā ||
3 He rules with those who carry shafts and quivers, Indra who with his band rings hosts together, Foe-conquering, strong of arm, the Soma-drinker, with mighty bow, shooting with well-laid arrows.
4 Bṛhaspati, fly with thy chariot hither, slayer of demons, driving off our foemen. Be thou protector of our cars, destroyer, victor in battle, breaker-up of armies.
5 Conspicuous by thy strength, firm, foremost fighter, mighty and fierce, victorious, all-subduing, The Son of Conquest, passing men and heroes, kine-winner, mount thy conquering car, O Indra.
6 Cleaver of stalls, kine-winner, armed with thunder, who quells an army and with might destroys it. -Follow him, brothers! quit yourselves like heroes, and like this Indra show your zeal and courage.
7 Piercing the cow-stalls with surpassing vigour, Indra, the pitiless Hero, wild with anger, Victor in fight, unshaken and resistless, may he protect our armies in our battles.
8 Indra guide these: Bṛhaspati precede them, the guerdon, and the sacrifice, and Soma; And let the banded Maruts march in forefront of heavenly hosts that conquer and demolish.
9 Ours be the potent host of mighty Indra, King Varuṇa, and Maruts, and Ādityas. Uplifted is the shout of Gods who conquer high-minded Gods who cause the worlds to tremble.
10 Bristle thou up, O Maghavan, our weapons: excite the spirits of my warring heroes. Urge on the strong steeds' might, O Vṛtra-slayer, and let the din of conquering cars go upward.
11 May Indra aid us when our flags are gathered: victorious be the arrows of our army. May our brave men of war prevail in battle. Ye Gods, protect us in the shout of onset.
12 Bewildering the senses of our foemen, seize thou their bodies and depart, O Apva. Attack them, set their hearts on fire and burn them: so let our foes abide in utter darkness.
1 Soma hath flowed for thee, Invoked of mat Speed to our sacrifice with both thy Coursers. To thee have streameld the songs or mighty singers, imploring, Indra, drink of our libation.
2 Drink of the juice which men have washed in waters, and fill thee full, O Lord of Tawny Horses. O Indra, hearer of the laud, with Soma which stones have mixed for thee enhance thy rapture.
3 To make thee start, a strong true draught I offer to thee, the Bull, O thou whom Bay Steeds carry. Here take delight, O Indra, in our voices while thou art hymned with power and all our spirit.
4 O Mighty Indra, through thine aid, thy prowess, obtaining life, zealous, and skilled in Order, Men in the house who share the sacred banquet stand singing praise that brings them store of children.
5 Through thy directions, Lord of Tawny Coursers, thine who art firm, splendid, and blest, the people Obtain most liberal aid for their salvation, and praise thee, Indra, through thine excellencies.
6 Lord of the Bays, come with thy two Bay Horses, come to our prayers, to drink the juice of Soma. To thee comes sacrifice which thou acceptest: thou, skilled in holy rites, art he who giveth.
7 Him of a thousand powers, subduing foemen, Maghavan praised with hymns and pleased with Soma, —Even him our songs approach, resistless Indra: the adorations of the singer laud him.
8 The way to bliss for Gods and man thou foundest, Indra, seven lovely floods, divine, untroubled, Wherewith thou, rending forts, didst move the ocean, and nine-and-ninety flowing streams of water.
9 Thou from the curse didst free the mighty Waters, and as their only God didst watch and guard them. O Indra, cherish evermore thy body with those which thou hast won in quelling Vṛtra.
10 Heroic power and noble praise is Indra yea, the song worships him invoked of many. Vṛtra he quelled, and gave men room and freedom: gakra, victorious, hath conquered armies.
11 Call we on Maghayan, auspicious Indra. best Hero in this fight where spoil is gathered, The Strong, who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the Vṛtras, wins and gathers riches.
1 WHEN, Vasu, wilt thou love the laud? Now let the channel bring the stream. The juice is ready to ferment.
hárī yásya suyújā vívratā vér árvantā ánu śépā | ubhā́ rajī́ ná keśínā pátir dán ||
2 He whose two Bay Steeds harnessed well, swerving, pursue the Bird's tail-plumes, With Rowing manes, like heaven and earth, he is the Lord with power to give.
11 As hundreds, O Immortal God, have sung to thee, so hath Sumitra, yea, Durmitra praised thee here, What time thou holpest Kutsa's son, when Dasyus fell, yea, holpest Kutsa's darling when the Dasyus died.
1 THIS very thing ye Twain hold as your object: ye weave your songs as skilful men weave garments. That ye may come united have I waked you: ye spread out food like days of lovely weather.
2 Like two plough-bulls ye move along in traces, and seek like eager guests your bidder's banquet. Ye are like glorious envoys mid the people: like bulls, approach the place where ye are watered.
3 Like the two pinions of a bird, connected, like two choice animals, ye have sought our worship. Bright as the fire the votary hath kindled, ye sacrifice in many a spot as roamers.
4 Ye are our kinsmen, like two sons, two fathers, strong in your splendour and like kings for conquest; Like rays for our enjoyment, Lords to feed us, ye, like quick bearers, have obeyed our calling.
5 You are like two pleasantly moving well-fed (hills) like Mitra and Varuṇa, the two bestowers of felicity, veracious, possessors of infinite wealth, happy, like two horses plump with fodder, abiding in the firmament, like two rams (are you) to be nourished with sacrificial food, to be cherished (with oblations).
6 You are like two mad elephants bending their forequarters and smiting the foe, like the two sons of Nitosa destroying (foes), and cherishing (friends); you are bright as two water-born (jewels), do you, who are victorious, (render) my decaying mortal body free from decay.
7 Fierce (Aśvins), like two powerful (heroes), you enable this moving, perishable mortal (frame) to cross over to the objects (of its destination) as over water; extremely strong, like the Ṛbhus, your chariot, attained its destination swift as the wind, it pervaded (everywhere), it dispensed riches.
8 With your bellies full of the Soma, like two saucepans, preservers of wealth, destroyers of enemies. (you are) armed with hatchets, moving like two flying (birds) with forms like the moon, attaining success through the mind, like two laudable beings, (you are) approaching (the sacrifice).
9 Like giants, ye will find firm ground to stand on in depths, like feet for one who fords a shallow. Like cars ye will attend to him who orders: ye Two enjoy our wondrous work as sharers.
11 May we increase the laud and gain us vigour: come to our song, ye whom one chariot carries. Filled be our kine with ripened meath like glory: Bhutamsa hath fulfilled the Aśvins' longing.
1 THESE men's great bounty hath been manifested, and the whole world of life set free from darkness. Great light hath come, vouchsafed us by the Fathers: apparent is the spacious path of Guerdon.
2 High up in heaven abide the Guerdon-givers: they who give steeds dwell with the Sun for ever. They who give gold are blest with life eternal. they who give robes prolong their lives, O Soma.
daívī pūrtír dákṣiṇā devayajyā́ ná kavāríbhyo nahí té pr̥ṇánti | áthā náraḥ práyatadakṣiṇāso avadyabhiyā́ bahávaḥ pr̥ṇanti ||
3 Not from the niggards-for they give not fireely-comes Meed at sacrifice, Gods’ satisfaction: Yea, many men with hands stretched out with Guerdon present their gifts because they dread dishonour.
śatádhāraṃ vāyúm arkáṃ suvarvídaṃ nr̥cákṣasas té abhí cakṣate havíḥ | yé pr̥ṇánti prá ca yáchanti saṃgamé té dákṣiṇāṃ duhate saptámātaram ||
4 These who observe mankind regard oblation as streamy Vāyu and light-finding Arka. They satisfy and give their gifts in synod, and pour in streams the seven-mothered Guerdon.
dákṣiṇāvān prathamó hūtá eti dákṣiṇāvān grāmaṇī́r ágram eti | tám evá manye nr̥pátiṃ jánānāṃ yáḥ prathamó dákṣiṇām āvivā́ya ||
5 He who brings Guerdon comes as first invited: chief of the hamlet comes the Guerdon-bearer. Him I account the ruler of the people who was the first to introduce the Guerdon.
tám evá ŕ̥ṣiṃ tám u brahmā́ṇam āhur yajñaníyaṃ sāmagā́m ukthaśā́sam | sá śukrásya tanúvo veda tisró yáḥ prathamó dákṣiṇayā rarā́dha ||
6 They call him Ṛṣi, Brahman, Sāma-chanter, reciter of the laud, leader of worship. The brightly-shining God's three forms he knoweth who first bestowed the sacrificial Guerdon.
7 Guerdon bestows the horse, bestows the bullock, Guerdon bestows, moreover, gold that Rsisters. Guerdon gives food which is our life and spirit. He who is wise takes Guerdon for his armour.
ná bhojā́ mamrur ná niarthám īyur ná riṣyanti ná vyathante ha bhojā́ḥ | idáṃ yád víśvam bhúvanaṃ súvaś ca etát sárvaṃ dákṣiṇaibhyo dadāti ||
8 The liberal die not, never are they ruined: the liberal suffer neither harm nor trouble. The light of heaven, the universe about us, —all this doth sacrificial Guerdon give them.
9 First have the liberal gained a fragrant dwelling, and got themselves a bride in fair apparel. The liberal have obtained their draught of liquor, and conquered those who, unprovoked, assailed them.
10 They deck the fleet steed for the bounteous giver: the maid adorns herself and waits to meet him. His home is like a lake with lotus blossoms, like the Gods’ palaces adorned and splendid.
11 Steeds good at draught convey the liberal giver, and lightly rolling moves the car of Guerdon. Assist, ye Gods, the liberal man in battles: the liberal giver conquers foes in combat.
1 WHAT wish of Saramā hath brought her hither? The path leads far away to distant places. What charge hast thou for us? Where turns thy journey? How hast thou made thy way o’er Rasā's waters.
índrasya dūtī́r iṣitā́ carāmi mahá ichántī paṇayo nidhī́n vaḥ | atiṣkádo bhiyásā tán na āvat táthā rasā́yā ataram páyāṃsi ||
2 I come appointed messenger of Indra, seeking your ample stores of wealth, O Paṇis. This hath preserved me from the fear of crossing: thus have I made my way o’er Rasā's waters.
3 What is that Indra like, what is his aspect whose envoy, Saramā, from afar thou comest? Let him approach, and we will show him friendship: he shall be made the herdsman of our cattle.
nā́háṃ táṃ veda dábhiyaṃ dábhat sá yásyedáṃ dūtī́r ásaram parākā́t | ná táṃ gūhanti sraváto gabhīrā́ hatā́ índreṇa paṇayaḥ śayadhve ||
4 I know him safe from harm: but he can punish who sent me hither from afar as envoy. Him rivers flowing with deep waters bide not. Low will ye be, O Paṇis, slain by Indra.
5 These are the kine which, Saramā, thou seekest, flying, O Blest One, to the ends of heaven. Who will loose these for thee without a battle? Yea, and sharp-pointed are our warlike weapons.
aseniyā́ vaḥ paṇayo vácāṃsi aniṣavyā́s tanúvaḥ santu pāpī́ḥ | ádhr̥ṣṭo va étavā́ astu pánthā bŕ̥haspátir va ubhayā́ ná mr̥̄ḷāt+ ||
6 Even if your wicked bodies, O ye Paṇis, were arrow-proof, your words are weak for wounding; And were the path to you as yet unmastered, Bṛhaspati in neither case will spare you.
7 Paved with the rock is this our treasure-chamber; filled full of precious things, of kine, and horses. These Paṇis who are watchful keepers guard it. In vain hast thou approached this lonely station.
8 Ṛṣis will come inspirited with Soma, Aṅgirases unwearied, and Navagvas. This stall of cattle will they part among them: then will the Paṇis wish these words unspoken.
9 Even thus, O Saramā, hast thou come hither, forced by celestial might to make the journey. Turn thee not back, for thou shalt be our sister: O Blest One, we will give thee of the cattle.
nā́háṃ veda bhrātr̥tváṃ nó svasr̥tvám índro vidur áṅgirasaś ca ghorā́ḥ | gókāmā me achadayan yád ā́yam ápā́ta ita paṇayo várīyaḥ ||
10 Brotherhood, sisterhood, I know not either: the dread Aṅgirases and Indra know them. They seemed to long for kine when I departed. Hence, into distance, be ye gone, O Paṇis.
dũrám ita paṇayo várīya úd gā́vo yantu minatī́r r̥téna | bŕ̥haspátir yā́ ávindan nígūḷhāḥ sómo grā́vāṇa ŕ̥ṣayaś ca víprāḥ ||
11 Hence, far away, ye Paṇis! Let the cattle lowing come forth as holy Law commandeth, Kine which Bṛhaspati, and Soma, Ṛṣis, sages, and pressing-stones have found when hidden.
1 THESE first, the boundless Sea, and Mātariśvan, fierce-glowing Fire, the Strong, the Bliss-bestower. And heavenly Floods, first-born by holy Order, exclaimed against the outrage on a Brahman.
2 King Soma first of all, without reluctance, made restitution of the Brahman's consort. Mitra and Varuṇa were the inviters: Agni as Hota; took her hand and led her.
3 The man, her pledge, must by her hand be taken when they have cried, She is a Brahman's consort. She stayed not for a herald to conduct her: thus is the kingdom of a ruler guarded.
4 Thus spake of her those Gods of old, Seven Ṛṣis who sate them down to their austere devotion: Dire is a Brahman's wife led home by others: in the supremest heaven she plants confusion.
5 The Brahmacari goes engaged in duty: he is a member of the Gods’ own body. Through him Bṛhaspati obtained his consort, as the Gods gained the ladle brought by Soma.
7 Having restored the Brahman's wife, and freed them, with Gods’ aid, from sin, They shared the fulness of the earth, and won themselves extended sway.
10,110 Āprīs
10.CX Āprīs
sámiddho adyá mánuṣo duroṇé devó devā́n yajasi jātavedaḥ | ā́ ca váha mitramahaś cikitvā́n tuváṃ dūtáḥ kavír asi prácetāḥ ||
1 THOU in the house of man this day enkindled worshippest Gods as God, O Jātavedas. Observant, bright as Mitra, bring them hither: thou art a sapient and foreknowing envoy.
2 Tanūnapāt, fair-tongued, with sweet meath balming the paths and waysof Order, make them pleasant. Convey our sacrifice to heaven, exalting with holy thoughts ourhymns of praise and worship.
ājúhvāna ī́ḍiyo vándiyaś ca ā́ yāhi agne vásubhiḥ sajóṣāḥ | tuváṃ devā́nām asi yahva hótā sá enān yakṣi iṣitó yájīyān ||
3 Invoked, deserving prayer and adoration, O Agni, come accordant with the Vasus. Thou art, O Youthful Lord, the Gods’ Invoker, so, best of Sacrificers, bring them quickly.
4 By rule the Sacred Grass is scattered eastward, a robe to clothe this earth when dawns are breaking. Widely it spreads around and far-extended, fair for the Gods and bringing peace and freedom.
5 Let the expansive Doors be widely opened, like wives who deck their beauty for their husbands. Lofty, celestial, all-impelling Portals, admit the Gods and give them easy entrance.
6 Pouring sweet dews let holy Night and Morning, each close to each, he seated at their station, Lofty, celestial Dames with gold to deck them. assuming all their fair and radiant beauty.
7 Come the two first celestial sweet-voiced Hotars, arranging sacrifice for man to worship As singers who inspire us in assemblies, showing the eastward light with their direction.
8 Let Bhāratī come quickly to our worship, and Iḷā showing like a human being. So let Sarasvatī and both her fellows, deft Goddesses, on this fair grass be seated.
9 Hotar more skilled in sacrifice, bring hither with speed to-day God Tvaṣṭar, thou who knowest. Even him who formed these two, the Earth and Heaven the Parents, with their forms, and every creature.
10 Send to our offerings which thyself thou balmest the Companies of Gods in ordered season. Agni, Vanaspati the Immolator sweeten our offered gift with meath and butter.
11 Agni, as soon as he was born, made ready the sacrifice, and was the Gods’ preceder. May the Gods cat our offering consecrated according to this true Priest's voice and guidance.
1 BRING forth your sacred song ye prudent singers, even as are the thoughts of human beings. Let us draw Indra with true deeds anear us: he loves our songs, the Hero, and is potent.
2 The hymn shone brightly from the seat of worship: to the kine came the Bull, the Heifer's Offipring With mighty bellowing hath he arisen, and hath pervaded even the spacious regions.
3 Indra knows, verily, how to hear our singing, for he, victorious, made a path for Sūrya. He made the Cow, and be became the Sovran of Heaven, primeval, matchless, and unshaken.
4 Praised by Aṅgirases, Indra demolished with might the works of the great watery monster Full many regions, too, hath he pervaded, and by his truth supported earth's foundation.
5 The counterpart of heaven and earth is Indra: he knoweth all libations, slayeth Śuṣṇa. The vast sky with the Sun hath he extended, and, best otpillars, stayed it with a pillar.
6 The Vṛtra-slaver with his bolt felled Vṛtra: the magic of the godless, waxen mighty, Here hast thou, Bold Assailant, boldly conquered. Yea, then thine arms, O Maghavan, were potent.
sácanta yád uṣásaḥ sū́riyeṇa citrā́m asya ketávo rā́m avindan | ā́ yán nákṣatraṃ dádr̥śe divó ná púnar yató nákir addhā́ nú veda ||
7 When the Dawns come attendant upon Sūrya their rays discover wealth of divers colours. The Star of heaven is seen as ’twere approaching: none knoweth aught of it as it departeth.
8 Far have they gone, the first of all these waters, the waters that flowed forth when Indra sent them. Where is their spring, and where is their foundation? Where now, ye Waters, is your inmost centre?
9 Thou didst free rivers swallowed by the Dragon; and rapidly they set themselves in motion, Those that were loosed and those that longed for freedom. Excited now to speed they run unresting.
10 Yearning together they have sped to Sindhu: the Fort-destroyer, praised, of old, hath loved them. Indra, may thy terrestrial treasures reach us, and our full songs of joy approach thy dwelling.
1 DRINK of the juice, O Indra, at thy plea. sure, for thy first draught is early morn's libation. Rejoice, that thou mayst slay our foes, O Hero, and we with lauds will tell thy mighty exploits.
2 Thou hast a car more swift than thought, O Indra; thercon come hither, come to drink the Soma. Let thy Bay Steeds, thy Stallions, hasten hither, with whom thou cornest nigh and art delighted.
3 Deck out thy body with the fairest colours, with golden splendour of the Sun adorn it. O Indra, turn thee hitherward invited by us thy friends; be seated and be joyful.
4 O thou whose grandeur in thy festive transports not even these two great worlds have comprehended. Come, Indra, with thy dear Bay Horses harnessed, come to our dwelling and the food thou lovest.
yásya śáśvat papivā́m̐ indra śátrūn anānukr̥tyā́ ráṇiyā cakártha | sá te púraṃdhiṃ táviṣīm iyarti sá te mádāya sutá indra sómaḥ ||
5 Pressed for thy joyous banquet is the Soma, Soma whereof thou, Indra, ever drinking, Hast waged unequalled battles with thy foemen, which prompts the mighty flow of thine abundance.
6 Found from of old is this thy cup, O Indra: Śatakratu, drink therefrom the Soma. Filled is the beaker with the meath that gladdens, the beaker which all Deities delight in.
7 From many a side with proffered entertainment the folk are calling thee, O Mighty Indra. These our libations shall for thee be richest in sweet meath: dvink thereof and find them pleasant.
8 I will declare thy deeds of old, O Indra, the mighty acts which thou hast first accomplished. In genuine wrath thou loosenedst the mountain so that the Brahman easily found the cattle.
9 Lord of the hosts, amid our bands be seated: they call thee greatest Sage among the sages. Nothing is done, even far away, without thee: great, wondrous, Maghavan, is the hymn I sing thee.
10 Aim of our eyes be thou, for we implore thee, O Maghavan, Friend of friends and Lord of treasures. Fight, Warrior strong in truth, fight thou the battle: give us our share of undivided riches.
1 THE Heavens and the Earth accordant with all Gods encouraged graciously that vigorous might of his. When he came showing forth his majesty and power, he drank of Soma juice and waxed exceeding strong.
2 This majesty of his Viṣṇu extols and lauds, making the stal Cthat gives the meath flow forth with inight. When Indra Maghavan with those who followed him had smitten Vṛtra he deserved the choice of Gods.
3 When, bearing warlike weapons, fain to win thee praise, thou mettest Vṛtra, yea, the Dragon, for the fight, Then all the Maruts who were gathered with dice there extolled, O Mighty One, thy powerful majesty.
4 Soon as he sprang to life he forced asun. der hosts: forward the Hero looked to manly deed and war. He cleft the rock, he let concurrent streams flow forth, and with his skilful art stablished the heavens' wide vault.
5 Indra hath evermore possessed surpassing power: he forced, far from each other, heaven and earth apart. He hurled impetuous down his iron thunderbolt, a joy to Varuṇa's and Mitra's worshipper.
6 Then to the mighty powers of Indra, to his wrath, his the fierce Stormer, loud of voice, they came with speed; What time the Potent One rent Vṛtra with his strength, who held the waters back, whom darkness compassed round.
7 Even in the first of those heroic acts which they who strove together came with might to execute, Deep darkness fell upon the slain, and Indra won by victory the right of being first invoked.
8 Then all the Gods extolled, with eloquence inspired by draughts of Soma juice, thy deeds of manly might. As Agni eats the dry food with his tcetlv, he ate Vṛtra, the Dragon, maimed by Indra's deadly dart.
bhū́ri dákṣebhir vacanébhir ŕ̥kvabhiḥ sakhiyébhiḥ sakhiyā́ni prá vocata | índro dhúniṃ ca cúmuriṃ ca dambháyañ chraddhāmanasyā́ śr̥ṇute dabhī́taye ||
9 Proclaim his many friendships, met with friendship, made with singers, with the skilful and the eloquent. Indra, when he subdues Dhuni and Cumuri, lists to Dabhīti for his faithful spirit's sake.
10 Give riches manifold with noble horses, to be remembered while my songs address thee. May we by easy paths pass all our troubles: find us this day a ford wide and extensive.
1 Two perfect springs of heat pervade the Threefold, and come for their delight is Mātariśvan. Craving the milk of heaven the Gods are present: well do they know the praisesong and the Sāman.
2 The priests beard far away, as they are ordered, serve the three Nirrtis, for well they know them. Sages have traced the cause that first produced them, dwelling in distant and mysterious chambers.
3 The Youthful One, well-shaped, with four locks braided, brightened with oil, puts on the ordinances. Two Birds of mighty power are seated near her, there where the Deities receive their portion.
ékaḥ suparṇáḥ sá samudrám ā́ viveśa sá idáṃ víśvam bhúvanaṃ ví caṣṭe | tám pā́kena mánasāpaśyam ántitas tám mātā́ reḷhi sá u reḷhi mātáram ||
4 One of these Birds hath passed into the sea of air: thence he looks round and views this universal world. With simple heart I have beheld him from anear: his Mother kisses him and he returns her kiss.
5 Him with fair wings though only One in nature, wise singers shape, with songs, in many figures. While they at sacrifices fix the metres, they measure out twelve chalices of Soma.
ṣaṭtriṃśā́ṃś ca catúraḥ kalpáyantaś chándāṃsi ca dádhata āduvādaśám | yajñáṃ vimā́ya kaváyo manīṣá r̥ksāmā́bhyām prá ráthaṃ vartayanti ||
6 While they arrange the four and six-and-thirty, and duly order, up to twelve, the measures, Having disposed the sacrifice thoughtful sages send the Car forward with the Rc and Sāman.
7 The Chariot's majesties are fourteen others: seven sages lead it onward with their Voices. Who will declare to us the ford Apnana, the path whereby they drink first draughts of Soma?
8 The fifteen lauds are in a thousand places that is as vast as heaven and earth in measure. A thousand spots contain the mighty thousand. Vāk spreadeth forth as far as Prayer extendeth.
káś chándasāṃ yógam ā́ veda dhī́raḥ kó dhíṣṇiyām práti vā́cam papāda | kám r̥tvíjām aṣṭamáṃ śū́ram āhur hárī índrasya ní cikāya káḥ svit ||
9 What sage hath learned the metres' application? Who hath gained Vāk, the spirit's aim and object? Which ministering priest is called eighth Hero? Who then hath tracked the two Bay Steeds of Indra?
10 Yoked to his chariot-pole there stood the Coursers: they only travel round earth's farthest limits. These, when their driver in his home is settled, receive the allotted meed of their exertion.
10,115 Agni
10.CXV Agni
citrá íc chíśos táruṇasya vakṣátho ná yó mātárāv apiéti dhā́tave | anūdhā́ yádi jī́janad ádhā ca nú vavákṣa sadyó máhi dūtíyaṃ cáran ||
1 VERILY wondrous is the tender Youngling's growth who never draweth nigh to drink his Mothers' milk. As soon as she who hath no udder bore him, he, faring on his great errand, suddenly grew strong.
2 Then Agni was his name, most active to bestow, gathering up the trees with his consuming tooth; Skilled in fair sacrifice, armed with destroying tongue, impetuous as a bull that snorteth in the mead.
táṃ vo víṃ ná druṣádaṃ devám ándhasa índum próthantam pravápantam arṇavám | āsā́ váhniṃ ná śocíṣā virapśínam máhivrataṃ ná sarájantam ádhvanaḥ ||
3 Praise him, your God who, bird-like, rests upon a tree, scattering drops of juice and pouring forth his flood, Speaking aloud with flame as with his lips a priest, and broadening his paths like one of high command.
ví yásya te jrayasānásya ajara dhákṣor ná vā́tāḥ pári sánti ácyutāḥ | ā́ raṇvā́so yúyudhayo ná satvanáṃ tritáṃ naśanta prá śiṣánta iṣṭáye ||
4 Thou Everlasting, whom, far-striding fain to burn, the winds, uninterrupted, never overcome, They have approached, as warriors eager for the fight, heroic Trita, guiding him to gain his wish.
5 This Agni is the best of Kaṇvas, Kaṇvas' Friend, Conqueror of the foe whether afar or near. May Agni guard the singers, guard the princes well: may Agni grant to us our princes' gracious help.
6 Do thou, Supitrya, swiftly following, make thyself the lord of Jātavedas, mightiest of all, Who surely gives a boon even in thirsty land most powerful, prepared to aid us in the wilds.
7 Thus noble Agni with princes and mortal men is lauded, excellent for conquering strength with chiefs, Men who are well-disposed as friends and true to Law, even as the heavens in majesty surpass mankind.
8 O Son of Strength, Victorious, with this title Upastuta's most potent voice reveres thee. Blest with brave sons by thee we will extol thee, and lengthen out the days of our existence.
9 Thus, Agni, have the sons of Vrstihavya, the Ṛṣis, the Upastutas invoked thee. Protect them, guard the singers and the princes. With Vaṣaṭ! have they come, with hands uplifted, with their uplifted hands and cries of Glory!
1 DRINK Soma juice for mighty power and vigour, drink, Strongest One, that thou mayst smite down Vṛtra. Drink thou, invoked, for strength, and riches: drink thou thy fill of meath and pour it down, O Indra.
2 Drink of the foodful juice stirred into motion, drink what thou choosest of the flowing Soma. Giver of weal, be joyful in thy spirit, and turn thee hitherward to bless and prosper.
3 Let heavenly Soma gladden thee, O Indra, let that effused among mankind delight thee. Rejoice in that whereby thou gavest freedom, and that whereby thou conquerest thy foemen.
4 Let Indra come, impetuous, doubly mighty, to the poured juice, the Bull, with two Bay Coursers. With juices pressed in milk, with meath presented, glut evermore thy bolt, O Foe-destroyer.
ní tigmā́ni bhrāśáyan bhrā́śiyāni áva sthirā́ tanuhi yātujū́nām | ugrā́ya te sáho bálaṃ dadāmi pratī́tyā śátrūn vigadéṣu vr̥śca ||
5 Dash down, outffaming their sharp flaming weapons, the strong-holds of the men urged on by demons. I give thee, Mighty One, great strength and conquest: go, meet thy foes and rend them in the battle.
6 Extend afar the votary's fame and glory, as the firm archer's strength drives off the foeman. Ranged on our side, grown strong in might that conquers, never defeated, still increase thy body.
7 To thee have we presented this oblation: accept it, Sovran Ruler, free from anger. Juice, Maghavan, for thee is pressed and ripened: eat, Indra, drink of that which stirs to meet thee.
8 Eat, Indra, these oblations which approach thee: be pleased with food made ready and with Soma. With entertainment we receive thee friendly: effectual be the sacrificer's wishes.
9 I send sweet speech to Indra and to Agni: with hymns I speed it like a boat through waters. Even thus, the Gods seem moving round about me, the fountains and bestowers of our riches.
10,117 Liberality
10.CXVII Liberality
ná vā́ u devā́ḥ kṣúdham íd vadháṃ dadur utā́śitam úpa gachanti mr̥tyávaḥ | utó rayíḥ pr̥ṇató nópa dasyati utā́pr̥ṇan marḍitā́raṃ ná vindate ||
1 THE Gods have not ordained hunger to be our death: even to the well-fed man comes death in varied shape. The riches of the liberal never waste away, while he who will not give finds none to comfort him.
yá ādhrā́ya cakamānā́ya pitvó ánnavān sán raphitā́yopajagmúṣe | sthirám mánaḥ kr̥ṇuté sévate purā́ utó cit sá marḍitā́raṃ ná vindate ||
2 The man with food in store who, when the needy comes in miserable case begging for bread to eat, Hardens his heart against him-even when of old he did him service-finds not one to comfort him.
3 Bounteous is he who gives unto the beggar who comes to him in want of food and feeble. Success attends him in the shout of battle. He makes a friend of him in future troubles.
ná sá sákhā yó ná dádāti sákhye sacābhúve sácamānāya pitváḥ | ápāsmāt préyān ná tád óko asti pr̥ṇántam anyám áraṇaṃ cid ichet ||
4 No friend is he who to his friend and comrade who comes imploring food, will offer nothing. Let him depart-no home is that to rest in-, and rather seek a stranger to support him.
5 Let the rich satisfy the poor implorer, and bend his eye upon a longer pathway. Riches come now to one, now to another, and like the wheels of cars are ever rolling.
mógham ánnaṃ vindate ápracetāḥ satyám bravīmi vadhá ít sá tásya | nā́ryamáṇam púṣyati nó sákhāyaṃ kévalāgho bhavati kevalādī́ ||
6 The foolish man wins food with fruitless labour: that food -I speak the truth- shall be his ruin. He feeds no trusty friend, no man to love him. All guilt is he who eats with no partaker.
7 The ploughshare ploughing makes the food that feeds us, and with its feet cuts through the path it follows. Better the speaking than the silent Brahman: the liberal friend outyalues him who gives not.
ékapād bhū́yo dvipádo ví cakrame dvipā́t tripā́dam abhí eti paścā́t | cátuṣpād eti dvipádām abhisvaré sampáśyan paṅktī́r upatíṣṭhamānaḥ ||
8 He with one foot hath far outrun the biped, and the two-footed catches the three-footed. Four-footed creatures come when bipeds call them, and stand and look where five are met together.
samaú cid dhástau ná samáṃ viviṣṭaḥ sammātárā cin ná samáṃ duhāte | yamáyoś cin ná samā́ vīríyāṇi jñātī́ cit sántau ná samám pr̥ṇītaḥ ||
9 The hands are both alike: their labour differs. The yield of sister milch-kine is unequal. Twins even diffier in their strength and vigour: two, even kinsmen, differ in their bounty.
1 IN all the worlds That was the Best and Highest whence sprang the Mighty Gods, of splendid valour. As soon as born he overcomes his foemen, be in whom all who lend him aid are joyful.
vāvr̥dhānáḥ śávasā bhū́riojāḥ śátrur dāsā́ya bhiyásaṃ dadhāti | ávianac ca vianác ca sásni sáṃ te navanta prábhr̥tā mádeṣu ||
2 Grown mighty in his strength, with ample vigour, he as a foe strikes fear into the Dāsa, Eager to win the breathing and the breathless. All sang thy praise at banquet and oblation.
3 All concentrate on thee their mental vigour, what time these, twice or thrice, are thine assistants. Blend what is sweeter than the sweet with sweetness: win. quickly with our meath that meath in battle.
4 Therefore in thee too, thou who winnest riches, at every banquet are the sages joyful. With mightier power, Bold God, extend thy firmness: let not malignant Yātudhānas harm thee.
tváyā vayáṃ śāśadmahe ráṇeṣu prapáśyanto yudhéniyāni bhū́ri | codáyāmi ta ā́yudhā vácobhiḥ sáṃ te śiśāmi bráhmaṇā váyāṃsi ||
5 Proudly we put our trust in thee in battles, when we behold great wealth the prize of combat. I with my words impel thy weapons onward, and sharpen with my prayer thy vital vigour.
6 Worthy of praises, many-shaped, most skilful, most energetic, Āptya of the Aptyas: He with his might destroys the seven Danus, subduing many who were deemed his equals.
ní tád dadhiṣe ávaram páraṃ ca yásminn ā́vitha ávasā duroṇé | ā́ mātárā sthāpayase jigatnū́ áta inoṣi kárvarā purū́ṇi ||
7 Thou in that house which thy protection guardeth bestowest wealth, the higher and the lower. Thou stablishest the two much-wandering Mothers, and bringest many deeds to their completion.
8 Brhaddiva, the foremost of light-winners, repeats these holy prayers, this strength of Indra. He rules the great self-luminous fold of cattle, and all the doors of light hath he thrown open.
evā́ mahā́n br̥háddivo átharvā ávocat svā́ṃ tanúvam índram evá | svásāro mātaríbhvarīr ariprā́ hinvánti ca śávasā vardháyanti ca ||
9 Thus hath Brhaddiva, the great Atharvan, spoken to Indra as himself in person. The spotless Sisters, they who are his Mothers, with power exalt him and impel him onward.
10,121 Ka
10.CXXI Ka
hiraṇyagarbháḥ sám avartatā́gre bhūtásya jātáḥ pátir éka āsīt | sá dādhāra pr̥thivī́ṃ dyā́m utémā́ṃ kásmai devā́ya havíṣā vidhema ||
1 IN the beginning rose Hiranyagarbha, born Only Lord of all created beings. He fixed and holdeth up this earth and heaven. What God shall we adore with our oblation?
2 Giver of vital breath, of power and vigour, he whose commandments all the Gods acknowledge -. The Lord of death, whose shade is life immortal. What God shall we adore with our oblation?
3 Who by his grandeur hath become Sole Ruler of all the moving world that breathes and slumbers; He who is Loord of men and Lord of cattle. What God shall we adore with our oblation?
4 His, through his might, are these snow-covered mountains, and men call sea and Rasā his possession: His arms are these, his are these heavenly regions. What God shall we adore with our oblation?
5 By him the heavens are strong and earth is stedfast, by him light's realm and sky-vault are supported: By him the regions in mid-air were measured. What God shall we adore with our oblation?
6 To him, supported by his help, two armies embattled look while trembling in their spirit, When over them the risen Sun is shining. What God shall we adore with our oblation?
ā́po ha yád br̥hatī́r víśvam ā́yan gárbhaṃ dádhānā janáyantīr agním | táto devā́nāṃ sám avartatā́sur ékaḥ kásmai devā́ya havíṣā vidhema ||
7 What time the mighty waters came, containing the universal germ, producing Agni, Thence sprang the Gods’ one spirit into being. What God shall we adore with our oblation?
8 He in his might surveyed the floods containing productive force and generating Worship. He is the God of gods, and none beside him. What God shall we adore with our oblation?
9 Neer may he harm us who is earth's Begetter, nor he whose laws are sure, the heavens' Creator, He who brought forth the great and lucid waters. What God shall we adore with our oblation?
prájāpate ná tvád etā́ni anyó víśvā jātā́ni pári tā́ babhūva | yátkāmās te juhumás tán no astu vayáṃ siyāma pátayo rayīṇā́m ||
10 Prajāpati! thou only comprehendest all these created things, and none beside thee. Grant us our hearts' desire when we invoke thee: may we have store of riches in possession.
10,122 Agni
10.CXXII Agni
vásuṃ ná citrámahasaṃ gr̥ṇīṣe vāmáṃ śévam átithim adviṣeṇyám | sá rāsate śurúdho viśvádhāyaso agnír hótā gr̥hápatiḥ suvī́ryam ||
1 I PRAISE the God of wondrous might like Indra, the lovely pleasant Guest whom all must welcome. May Agni, Priest and Master of the household, give hero strength and all-sustaining riches.
2 O Agni, graciously accept this song of mine, thou passing-wise who knowest every ordinance. Enwrapped in holy oil further the course of prayer: the Gods bestow according to thy holy law.
3 Immortal, wandering round the seven stations, give, a liberal Giver, to the pious worshipper, Wealth, Agni, with brave sons and ready for his use: welcome the man who comes with fuel unto thee.
4 The seven who bring oblations worship thee, the Strong, the first, the Great Chief Priest, Ensign of sacrifice, The oil-anointed Bull, Agni who hears, who sends as God full hero strength to him who freely gives.
5 First messenger art thou, meet for election: drink thou thy fill invited to the Anirta, The Maruts in the votary's house adorned thee; with lauds the Bhṛgus gave thee light and glory.
6 Milking the teeming Cow for all-sustaining food. O Wise One, for the worship-loving worshipper, Thou, Agni, dropping oil, thrice lighting works of Law, showest thy wisdom circling home and sacrifice.
7 They who at flushing of this dawn appointed thee their messenger, these men have paid thee reverence. Gods strengthened thee for work that must be glorified, Agni, while they made butter pure for sacrifice.
8 Arrangers in our synods, Agni, while they sang Vasisistha s sons have called thee down, the Potent One. Maintain the growth of wealth with men who sacrifice. Ye Gods, preserve us with your blessings evermore.
1 SEE, Vena, born in light, hath driven hither, on chariot of the air, the Calves of Pṛśni. Singers with hymns caress him as an infant there where the waters and the sunlight mingle.
2 Vena draws up his wave from out the ocean. mist-born, the fair one's back is made apparent, Brightly he shone aloft on Order's summit: the hosts sang glory to their common birthplace.
3 Full many, lowing to their joint-possession, dwelling together stood the Darling's Mothers. Ascending to the lofty height of Order, the bands of singers 'sip the sweets of Amṛta.
4 Knowing his form, the sages yearned to meet him: they have come nigh to hear the wild Bull's bellow. Performing sacrifice they reached the river: for the Gandharva found the immortal waters.
5 The Apsaras, the Lady, sweetly smiling, supports her Lover in sublimest heaven. In his Friend's dwelling as a Friend he wanders: he, Vena, rests him on his golden pinion.
6 They gaze on thee with longing in their spirit, as on a strong-winged bird that mounteth sky-ward; On thee with wings of gold, Varuṇa's envoy, the Bird that hasteneth to the home of Yama.
7 Erect, to heaven hath the Gandharva mounted, pointing at us his many-coloured weapons; Clad in sweet raiment beautiful to look on, for he, as light, produceth forms that please us.
8 When as a spark he cometh near the ocean, still looking with a vulture's eye to heaven, His lustre, joying in its own bright splendour, maketh dear glories in the lowest region.
1 COME to this sacrifice of ours, O Agni, threefold, with seven threads and five divisions. Be our oblation-bearer and preceder: thou hast lain long enough in during darkness.
2 I come a God foreseeing from the godless to immortality by secret pathways, While I, ungracious one, desert the gracious, leave mine own friends and seek the kin of strangers.
3 1, looking to the guest of other lineage, have founded many a rule of Law and Order. I bid farewell to the Great God, the Father, and, for neglect, obtain my share of worship.
4 I tarried many a year within this altar: I leave the Father, for my choice is Indra. Away pass Agni, Varuṇa and Soma. Rule ever changes: this I come to favour.
nírmāyā u tyé ásurā abhūvan tuváṃ ca mā varuṇa kāmáyāse | r̥téna rājann ánr̥taṃ viviñcán máma rāṣṭrásya ádhipatyam éhi ||
5 These Asuras have lost their powers of magic. But thou, O Varuṇa, if thou dost love me, O King, discerning truth and right from falsehood, come and be Lord and Ruler of my kingdom.
6 Here is the light of heaven, here allis lovely; here there is radiance, here is air's wide region. Let us two slaughter Vṛtra. Forth, O Soma! Thou art oblation: we therewith will serve thee.
7 The Sage hath fixed his form by wisdom in the heavens: Varuṇa with no violence let the waters flow. Like women-folk, the floods that bring prosperity have eau lit his hue and colour as they gleamed and shone.
8 These wait upon his loftiest power and vigour: he dwells in these who triumph in their Godhead; And they, like people who elect their ruler, have in abhorrence turned away from Vṛtra.
9 They call him Swan, the abhorrent floods' Companion, moving in friendship with celestial Waters. The poets in their thought have looked on Indra swiftly approaching when Anustup calls him.
1 I TRAVEL with the Rudras and the Vasus, with the Ādityas and All-Gods I wander. I hold aloft both Varuṇa and Mitra, Indra and Agni, and the Pair of Aśvins.
2 I cherish and sustain high-swelling Soma, and Tvaṣṭar I support, Pūṣan, and Bhaga. I load with wealth the zealous sdcrificer who pours the juice and offers his oblation
3 I am the Queen, the gatherer-up of treasures, most thoughtful, first of those who merit worship. Thus Gods have stablished me in many places with many homes to enter and abide in.
máyā só ánnam atti yó vipáśyati yáḥ prā́ṇiti yá īṃ śr̥ṇóti uktám | amantávo mā́ṃ tá úpa kṣiyanti śrudhí śruta śraddhiváṃ te vadāmi ||
4 Through me alone all eat the food that feeds them, —each man who sees, brewhes, hears the word outspoken They know it not, but yet they dwell beside me. Hear, one and all, the truth as I declare it.
5 1, verily, myself announce and utter the word that Gods and men alike shall welcome. I make the man I love exceeding mighty, make him a sage, a Ṛṣi, and a Brahman.
6 I bend the bow for Rudra that his arrow may strike and slay the hater of devotion. I rouse and order battle for the people, and I have penetrated Earth and Heaven.
aháṃ suve pitáram asya mūrdhán máma yónir apsú antáḥ samudré | táto ví tiṣṭhe bhúvanā́nu víśvā utā́mū́ṃ dyā́ṃ varṣmáṇópa spr̥śāmi ||
7 On the world's summit I bring forth the Father: my home is in the waters, in the ocean. Thence I extend o’er all existing creatures, and touch even yonder heaven with my forehead.
8 I breathe a strong breath like the wind and tempest, the while I hold together all existence. Beyond this wide earth and beyond the heavens I have become so mighty in my grandeur.
10,126 Viśvedevas
10.CXXVI Viśvedevas
ná tám áṃho ná duritáṃ dévāso aṣṭa mártiyam | sajóṣaso yám aryamā́ mitró náyanti váruṇo áti dvíṣaḥ ||
1 No peril, no severe distress, ye Gods, affects the mortal man, Whom Aryaman and Mitra lead, and Varima, of one accord, beyond his foes.
8 As in this place, O Holy Ones, ye Vasus freed even the Gaud when her feet were fettered. So free us now from trouble and affliction: and let our life be lengthened still, O Api.
1 LET me win glory, Agni, in our battles: enkindling thee, may we support our bodies. May the four regions bend and bow before me: with thee for guardian may we win in combat.
2 May all the Gods be on my side in battle, the Maruts led by Indra, Viṣṇu, Agni. Mine be the middle air's extended region, and may the wind blow favouring these my wishes.
3 May the Gods grant me riches; may the blessing and invocation of the Gods assist me. Foremost in fight be the divine Invokers: may we, unwounded, have brave heroes round us.
4 For me let them present all mine oblations, and let my mind's intention be accomplished. May I he guiltless of the least transgression: and, all ye Gods, do ye combine to bless us.
5 Ye six divine Expanses, grant us freedom: here, all ye Gods, acquit yourselves like heroes. Let us not lose our children or our bodies: let us not benefit the foe, King Soma!
6 Baffling the wrath of our opponents, Agni, guard us as our infallible Protector. Let these thy foes turn back and seek their houses, and let their thought who watch at home be ruined.
7 Lord of the world, Creator of creators the saviour God who overcomes the foeman. May Gods, Bṛhaspati, both Aśvins shelter from ill this sacrifice and sacrificer.
uruvyácā no mahiṣáḥ śárma yaṃsad asmín háve puruhūtáḥ purukṣúḥ | sá naḥ prajā́yai hariaśva mr̥̄ḷaya+ índra mā́ no rīriṣo mā́ párā dāḥ ||
8 Foodful, and much-invoked, at this our calling may the great Bull vouchsafe us wide protection. Lord of Bay Coursers, Indra, blew our children: harm us not, give us not as prey to others.
9 Let those who are our foemen stay. afar from us: with Indra and with Agni we will drive them off. Vasus, Ādityas, Rudras have exalted me, made me far-reaching, mighty, thinker, sovran lord.
1 THEN was not non-existent nor existent: there was no realm of air, no sky beyond it. What covered in, and where? and what gave shelter? Was water there, unfathomed depth of water?
ná mr̥tyúr āsīd amŕ̥taṃ ná tárhi ná rā́triyā áhna āsīt praketáḥ | ā́nīd avātáṃ svadháyā tád ékaṃ tásmād dhānyán ná paráḥ kíṃ canā́sa ||
2 Death was not then, nor was there aught immortal: no sign was there, the day's and night's divider. That One Thing, breathless, breathed by its own nature: apart from it was nothing whatsoever.
3 Darkness there was: at first concealed in darkness this All was indiscriminated chaos. All that existed then was void and form less: bxy the great power of Warmth was born that Unit.
4 Thereafter rose Desire in the beginning, Desire, the primal seed and germ of Spirit. Sages who searched with their heart's thought discovered the existent's kinship in the non-existent.
5 Transversely was their severing line extended: what was above it then, and what below it? There were begetters, there were mighty forces, free action here and energy up yonder
kó addhā́ veda ká ihá prá vocat kúta ā́jātā kúta iyáṃ vísr̥ṣṭiḥ | arvā́g devā́ asyá visárjanena áthā kó veda yáta ābabhū́va ||
6 Who verily knows and who can here declare it, whence it was born and whence comes this creation? The Gods are later than this world's production. Who knows then whence it first came into being?
iyáṃ vísr̥ṣṭir yáta ābabhū́va yádi vā dadhé yádi vā ná | yó asyā́dhyakṣaḥ paramé víoman só aṅgá veda yádi vā ná véda ||
7 He, the first origin of this creation, whether he formed it all or did not form it, Whose eye controls this world in highest heaven, he verily knows it, or perhaps he knows not.
1 THE sacrifice drawn out with threads on every side, stretched by a hundred sacred ministers and one, — This do these Fathers weave who hitherward are come: they sit beside the warp and cry, Weave forth, weave back.
2 The Man extends it and the Man unbinds it: even to this vault of heaven hath he outspun, it. These pegs are fastened to the seat of worship: they made the Sāma-hymns their weaving shuttles.
3 What were the rule, the order and the model? What were the wooden fender and the butter? What were the hymn, the chant, the recitation, when to the God all Deities paid worship?
4 Closely was Gāyatrī conjoined with Agni, and closely Savitar combined with Usnih. Brilliant with Ukthas, Soma joined Anustup: Bṛhaspati's voice by Brhati was aided.
5 Virāj adhered to Varuṇa and Mitra: here Triṣṭup day by day was Indra's portion. Jagatī entered all the Gods together: so by this knowledge men were raised to Ṛṣis.
6 So by this knowledge men were raised to Ṛṣis, when ancient sacrifice sprang up, our Fathers. With the mind's eye I think that I behold them who first performed this sacrificial worship.
7 They who were versed in ritual and metre, in hymns and rules, were the Seven Godlike Ṛṣis. Viewing the path of those of old, the sages have taken up the reins like chariot-drivers.
1 DRIVE all our enemies away, O Indra, the western, mighty Conqueror, and the eastern. Hero, drive off our northern foes and southern, that we in thy wide shelter may be joyful.
2 What then? As men whose fields are full of barley reap the ripe corn removing it in order, So bring the food of those men, bring it hither, who went not to prepare the grass for worship.
3 Men come not with one horse at sacred seasons; thus they obtain no honour in assemblies. Sages desiring herds of kine and horses strengthen the mighty Indra for his friendship.
5 As parents aid a son, both Aśvins, Indra, aided thee with their wondrous Powers and wisdom. When thou, with might. hadst drunk the draught that gladdens, Sarasvatī, O Maghavan, refreshed thee.
6 Indra is strong to save, rich in assistance may he, possessing all, be kind and gracious. May he disperse our foes and give us safety, and may we be the lords of hero vigou r.
7 May we enjoy his favour, his the Holy may we enjoy his blessed loving kindness. May this rich Indra, as our good Protector, drive off and keep afar all those who hate us.
1 MAY Dyaus the Lord of lauded wealth, and Earth stand by the man who offers sacrifice, And may the Aśvins, both the Gods, strengthen the worshipper with bliss.
2 As such we honour you, Mitra and Varuṇa, with hasty zeal, most blest, you who sustain the folk. So may we, through your friendship for the worshipper, subdue the fiends.
ádhā cin nú yád dídhiṣāmahe vām abhí priyáṃ rékaṇaḥ pátyamānāḥ | dadvā́m̐ vā yát púṣyati rékṇaḥ sám ū āran nákir asya maghā́ni ||
3 And when we seek to win your love and friendship, weẉho have precious wealth in our possession, Or when the worshipper augments his riches let not his treasures be shut up
4 That other, Asura! too was born of Heaven. thou art, O Varuṇa, the King of all men. The chariot's Lord was well content, forbearing to anger Death by sin so great.
5 This sin hath Sakaputa here committed. Heroes who fled to their dear friend he slayeth, When the Steed bringeth down your grace and favour in bodies dear and worshipful.
6 Your Mother Aditi, ye wise, was purified with water even as earth is purified from heaven. Show love and kindness here below: wash her in rays of heavenly light.
7 Ye Twain have seated you as Lords of Wealth, as one who mounts a car to him who sits upon the pole, upon the wood. These our disheartened tribes Nrmedhas saved from woe, Sumedhas saved from Woe.
1 SING strength to Indra that shall set his chariot in the foremost place. Giver of room in closest fight, slayer of foes in shock of war, be thou our great encourager. Let the weak bowstrings break upon the bows of feeble enemies.
2 Thou didst destroy the Dragon: thou sentest the rivers down to earth. Foeless, O Indra, wast thou born. Thou tendest well each choicest thing. Therefore we draw us close to thee. Let the weak bowstrings break upon the bows of feeble enemies.
ví ṣú víśvā árātayo aryó naśanta no dhíyaḥ | ástāsi śátrave vadháṃ yó na indra jíghāṃsati yā́ te rātír dadír vásu nábhantām anyakéṣãṃ jiyākā́ ádhi dhánvasu ||
3 Destroyed be all malignities and all our enemy's designs. Thy bolt thou castest, at the foe, O Indra, who would srnite us dead: thy liberal bounty gives us wealth.
yó na indrābhíto jáno vr̥kāyúr ādídeśati | adhaspadáṃ tám īṃ kr̥dhi vibādhó asi sāsahír nábhantām anyakéṣãṃ jiyākā́ ádhi dhánvasu ||
4 The robber people round about, Indra, who watch and aim at us, —Trample them down beneath thy foot; a conquering scatterer art thou.
7 Do thou bestow upon us her, O Indra, who yields according to the singer's longing, That the great Cow may, with exhaustless udder, pouring a thousand streams, give milk to feed us.
1 As, like the Morning, thou hast filled, O Indra, both the earth and heaven. So as the Mighty One, great King of all the mighty world of men, the Goddess Mother brought thee forth, the Blessed Mother gave thee life.
2 Relax that mortal's stubborn strength whose heart is bent on wickedness. Trample him down beneath thy feet who watches for and aims at us. The Goddess Mother brought thee forth, the Blessed Mother gave thee life.
7 Never, O Gods, do we offend, nor are we ever obstinate: we walk as holy texts command. Closely we clasp and cling to you, cling to your sides, beneath your arms.
7 The tongue that leads the voice precedes. Then with our ten-fold branching hands, With these two chasers of disease we stroke thee with a gentle touch.
1 ALLIED with thee in friendship, Indra, these, thy priests, remembering Holy Law, rent Vṛtra limb from limb, When they bestowed the Dawns and let the waters flow, and when thou didst chastise dragons at Kutsa's call.
2 Thou sentest forth productive powers, clavest the hills, thou dravest forth the kine, thou drankest pleasant meath. Thou gavest increase through this Tree's surpassing might. The Sun shone by the hymn that sprang from Holy Law.
3 In the mid-way of heaven the Sun unyoked his car: the Ārya found a match to meet his Dam foe. Associate with Ṛjiśvan Indra overthrew the solid forts of Pipru, conjuring Asura.
4 He boldly cast down forts which none had e’er assailed: unwearied he destroycd the godless treasure-stores. Like Sun and Moon he took the stronghold's wealth away, and, praised in song, demolished foes with flashing dart.
5 Armed with resistless weapons, with vast power to cleave, the Vṛtra-slayer whets his darts and deals fordi wounds. Bright Uṣas was afraid of Indra's slaughtering bolt: she went upon her way and left her chariot there.
6 These are thy famous exploits, only thine, when thou alone hast left the other reft of sacrifice. Thou in the heavens hast set the ordering of the Moons: the Father bears the felly portioned out by thee.
1 SAVITAR, golden-haired, hath lifted eastward, bright With the sunbeams, his eternal lustre; He in whose energy wise Pūṣan marches, surveying all existence like a herdsman.
nr̥cákṣā eṣá divó mádhya āsta āpaprivā́n ródasī antárikṣam | sá viśvā́cīr abhí caṣṭe ghr̥tā́cīr antarā́ pū́rvam áparaṃ ca ketúm ||
2 Beholding men he sits amid the heaven filling the two world-halves and air's wide region. He looks upon the rich far-spreading pastures between the eastern and the western limit.
3 He, root of wealth, the gatherer-up of treasures, looks with his might on every form and figure. Savitar, like a Godẉhose Law is constant, stands in the battle for the spoil like Indra.
4 Waters from sacrifice came to the Gandharva Visvavasu, O Soma, when they saw him. Indra, approaching quickly, marked their going, and looked around upon the Sun's enclosures.
viśvā́vasur abhí tán no gr̥ṇātu divyó gandharvó rájaso vimā́naḥ | yád vā ghā satyám utá yán ná vidmá dhíyo hinvānó dhíya ín no avyāḥ ||
5 This song Visvavasu shall sing us, meter of air's mid-realm celestial Gandharva, That we may know aright both truth and falsehood: may he inspire our thoughts and help our praises.
6 In the floods' track he found the bootyseeker: the rocky cow-pen's doors he threw wide open. These, the Gandharva told him, Rowed with Amṛta. Indra knew well the puissancc of the dragons.
1 AGNI, life-power and fame are thine: thy fires blaze mightily, thou rich in wealth of beams! Sage, passing bright, thou givest to the worshipper, with strength, the food that merits laud.
2 With brilliant, purifying sheen, with perfect sheen thou liftest up thyself in light. Thou, visiting both thy Mothers, aidest them as Son: thou joinest close the earth and heaven.
3 O Jātavedas, Son of Strength, rejoice ihyself, gracious, in our fair hymns and songs. In thee are treasured various forms of strengthening food, born nobly and of wondrous help.
4 Agni, spread forth, as Ruler, over living things: give wealth to us, Immortal God. Thou shinest out from beauty fair to look upon: thou leadest us to conquering power.
5 To him, the wise, who orders sacrifice, who hath great riches un der his control, Thou givest blest award of good, and plenteous food, givest him wealth that conquers all.
6 The men have set before them them for their welfare Agni, strong, visible to all, the Holy. Thee, Godlike One, with ears to hear, most famous, men's generations magnify with praise-songs.
10,141 Viśvedevas
10.CXLI Viśvedevas
ágne áchā vadehá naḥ pratyáṅ naḥ sumánā bhava | prá no yacha viśas pate dhanadā́ asi nas tuvám ||
1 TURN hither, Agni, speak to us: come to us with a gracious mind. Enrich us, Master of the house: thou art the Giver of our wealth.
1 WITH thee, O Agni, was this singer of the laud: he hath no other kinship, O thou Son of Strength. Thou givest blessed shelter with a triple guard. Keep the destructive lightning far away from us.
pravát te agne jánimā pitūyatáḥ sācī́va víśvā bhúvanā ní r̥ñjase | prá sáptayaḥ prá saniṣanta no dhíyaḥ puráś caranti paśupā́ iva tmánā ||
2 Thy birth who seekest food is in the falling flood, Agni: as Comrade thou winnest all living things. Our coursers and our songs shall be victorious: they of themselves advance like one who guards the herd.
3 And thou, O Agni, thou of Godlike nature, sparest the stones, while caring up the brushwood. Then are thy tracks like deserts in the corn-lands. Let us not stir to wrath thy mighty arrow.
4 O'er hills through vales devouring as thou goest, thou partest like an army fain for booty As when a barber shaves a beard, thou shavest earth when the wind blows on thy flame and fans it.
5 Apparent are his lines as he approaches the course is single, but the cars are many, When, Agni, thou, making thine arms resplendent, advancest o’er the land spread out beneath thee.
út te śúṣmā jihatām út te arcír út te agne śaśamānásya vā́jāḥ | úc chvañcasva ní nama várdhamāna ā́ tvādyá víśve vásavaḥ sadantu ||
6 Now let thy strength, thy burning flames fly upward, thine energies, O Agni, as thou toilest. Gape widely, bend thee, waxing in thy vigour: let all the Vasus sit this day beside thee.
2 Here, by us, for the worshipper, is the wise bolt that works with skill. It brings the bubbling beverage as a dexterous man brings the effectual strong drink.
5 Which, fair, unrobbed, the Falcon brought thee in his foot, the red-hued dwelling of the juice; Through this came vital power which lengthens out our days, and kinship through its help awoke.
6 So Indra is by lndu's power; e’en among Gods will it repel great treachery. Wisdom, Most Sapient One, brings force that lengthens life. May wisdom bring the juice to us.
6 I have gained thee for vanquisher, have grasped thee with a stronger spell. As a cow hastens to her calf, so let thy spirit speed te me, hasten like water on its way.
10,146 Aranyani
10.CXLVI Aranyani
áraṇyāni áraṇyāni asaú yā́ préva náśyasi | kathā́ grā́maṃ ná pr̥chasi ná tvā bhī́r 'va° vindatī3m̐ ||
1 GODDESS of wild and forest who seemest to vanish from the sight. How is it that thou seekest not the village? Art thou not afraid?
1 I TRUST in thy first wrathful deed, O Indra, when thou slewest Vṛtra and didst work to profit man; What time the two world-halves fell short of thee in might, and the earth trembled at thy force, O Thunder-anned.
2 Thou with thy magic powers didst rend the conjurer Vṛtra, O Blameless One, with heart that longed for fame. Heroes elect thee when they battle for the prey, thee in all sacrifices worthy of renown.
3 God Much-invoked, take pleasure in these princes here, who, thine exalters, Maghavan, have come to wealth. In synods, when the rite succeeds, they hymn the Strong for sons and progeny and riches undisturbed.
sá ín nú rāyáḥ súbhr̥tasya cākanan mádaṃ yó asya ráṃhiyaṃ cíketati | tuvā́vr̥dho maghavan dāśúadhvaro makṣū́ sá vā́jam bharate dhánā nŕ̥bhiḥ ||
4 That man shall find delight in well-protected wealth whose care provides for him the quick-sought joyous draught. Bringing oblations, strengthened Maghavan, by thee, he swiftly wins the spoil with heroes in the fight.
tuváṃ śárdhāya mahinā́ gr̥ṇāná urú kr̥dhi maghavañ chagdhí rāyáḥ | tuváṃ no mitró váruṇo ná māyī́ pitvó ná dasma dayase vibhaktā́ ||
5 Now for our band, O Maghavan, when lauded, make ample room with might, and grant us riches. Magician thou, our Varuṇa and Mitra, deal food to us, O Wondrous, as Dispenser.
10,148 Indra
10.CXLVIII Indra
suṣvāṇā́sa indara+ stumási tvā sasavā́ṃsaś ca tuvinr̥mṇa vā́jam | ā́ no bhara suvitáṃ yásya cākán tmánā tánā sanuyāma tuvótāḥ ||
1 WHEN we have pressed the juice we laud thee, Indra, and when, Most Valorous we have won the booty. Bring us prosperity, as each desires it under thine own protection may we conquer.
2 Sublime from birth, mayst thou O Indra, Hero, with Sūrya overcome the Dāsa races. As by a fountain's side, we bring the Soma that lay concealed, close-hidden in the waters.
3 Answer the votary's hymns, for these thou knowest, craving the Ṛṣis’ prayer, thyself a Singer May we be they who take delight in Somas: these with sweet food for thee, O Chariot-rider.
4 These holy prayers, O Indra, have I sung thee: grant to the men the strength of men, thou Hero. Be of one mind with those in whom thou joyest: keep thou the singers safe and their companions.
5 Listen to Pṛthi's call, heroic Indra, and be thou lauded by the hymns of Venya, Him who hath sung thee to thine oil-rich dwelling, whose rolling songs have sped thee like a torrent.
1 SAVITAR fixed the earth with bands to bind it, and made heaven stedfast where no prop supported. Savitar milked, as ’twere a restless courser, air, sea bound fast to what no foot had trodden.
2 Well knoweth Savitar, O Child of Waters, where ocean, firmly fixt, o’erflowed its limit. Thence sprang the world, from that uprose the region: thence heaven spread out and the wide earth expanded.
paścédám anyád abhavad yájatram ámartiyasya bhúvanasya bhūnā́ | suparṇó aṅgá savitúr garútmān pū́rvo jātáḥ sá u asyā́nu dhárma ||
3 Then, with a full crowd of Immortal Beings, this other realm came later, high and holy. First, verily, Savitar's strong-pinioned Eagle was born: and he obeys his law for ever.
4 As warriors to their steeds, kine to their village, as fond milk giving cows approach their youngling, As man to wife, let Savitar come downward to us, heaven's bearer, Lord of every blessing.
5 Like the Aṅgirasa Hiranvastupa, I call thee, Savitar, to this achievement: So worshipping and lauding thee for favour I watch for thee as for the stalk of Soma.
10,150 Agni
10.CL Agni
sámiddhaś cit sám idhyase devébhyo havyavāhana | ādityaí rudraír vásubhir na ā́ gahi mr̥̄ḷīkā́ya+ na ā́ gahi ||
1 THOU, bearer of oblations, though kindled, art kindled for the Gods. With the Ādityas, Rudras, Vasus, come to us: to show us favour come to us.
3 I laud thee Jātavedas, thee Lord of all blessings, with my song. Agni, bring hitherward the Gods whose Laws we love, whose laws we love, to show us grace.
4 Agni the God was made the great High-Priest of Gods, Ṛṣis have kindled Agni, men of mortal mould. Agni I invocate for winning ample wealth. kindly disposed for winning wealth.
5 Atri and Bharadvāja and Gavisthira, Kaṇva and Trasadasyu, in our fight he helped. On Agni calls Vasiṣṭha, even the household priest, the household priest to win his grace.
2 Bless thou the man who gives, O Faith; Faith, bless the man who fain would give. Bless thou the liberal worshippers: bless thou the word that I have said.
1 TASTE this strong draught enriched with offered viands: with all thy chariot here unyoke thy Coursers. Let not those other sacrificers stay thee, Indra: these juices shed for thee are ready.
2 Thine is the juice effused, thine are the juices yet to be pressed: our resonant songs invite thee. O Indra, pleased to-day with this libation, come, thou who knowest all and drink the Soma.
3 Whoso, devoted to the God, effuses Soma for him with yearning heart and spirit, —Never doth Indra give away his cattle: for him he makes the lovely Soma famous.
ánuspaṣṭo bhavati eṣó asya yó asmai revā́n ná sunóti sómam | nír aratnaú maghávā táṃ dadhāti brahmadvíṣo hanti ánānudiṣṭaḥ ||
4 He looks with Ioving favour on the mortal who, like a rich man, pours for him the Soma. Maghavan in his bended arm supports him: he slays, unasked, the men who hate devotion.
aśvāyánto gavyánto vājáyanto hávāmahe tvā úpagantavā́ u | ābhū́ṣantas te sumataú návāyāṃ vayám indra tvā śunáṃ huvema ||
5 We call on thee to come to us, desirous of goods and spoil, of cattle, and of horses. For thy new love and favour are we present: let us invoke thee, Indra, as our welfare.
1 FOR life I set thee free by this oblation from the unknown decline and from Consumption; Or, if the grasping demon have possessed him, free him from her, O Indra, thou and Agni.
2 Be his days ended, be he now departed, be he brought very near to death already, Out of Destruction's lap again I bring him, save him for life to last a hundred autumns.
3 With hundred-eyed oblation, hundred-autumned, bringing a hundred lives, have I restored him, That Indra for a hundred years may lead him safe to the farther shore of all misfortune.
4 Live, waxing in thy strength, a hundred autumns, live through a hundred springs, a hundred winters. Through hundred-lived oblation Indra, Agni, Bṛhaspati, Savitar yield him for a hundred!
ā́hārṣaṃ tvā́vidaṃ tuvā púnar ā́gāḥ punarnava | sárvāṅga sárvaṃ te cákṣuḥ sárvam ā́yuś ca te 'vidam ||
5 So have I found and rescued thee thou hast returned with youth renewed. Whole in thy members! I have found thy sight and all thy life for thee.
3 If by address, by blame, by imprecation we have committed sin, awake or sleeping, All hateful acts of ours, all evil doings may Agni bear away to distant places.
4 When, Indra, Brahmaṇaspati, our deeds are wrongful and unjust, May provident Aṅgirasa prevent our foes from troubling, us.
ájaiṣmādyā́sanāma ca ábhūmā́nāgaso vayám | jāgratsvapnáḥ saṃkalpáḥ pāpó yáṃ dviṣmás táṃ sá r̥chatu yó no dvéṣṭi tám r̥chatu ||
5 We have prevailed this day and won: we are made free from sin and guilt. Ill thoughts, that visit us awake or sleeping, seize the man we hate, yea, seize the man who hateth us.
1 GODS, whatsoe’er the Dove came hither seeking, sent to us as the envoy of Destruction, For that let us sing hymns and make atonement. Well be it with our quadrupeds and bipeds.
2 Auspicious be the Dove that hath been sent us, a harmless bird, ye Gods, within our dwelling. May Agni, Sage, be pleased with our oblation, and may the Missile borne on wings avoid us.
hetíḥ pakṣíṇī ná dabhāti asmā́n āṣṭryā́m padáṃ kr̥ṇute agnidhā́ne | śáṃ no góbhyaś ca púruṣebhyaś cāstu mā́ no hiṃsīd ihá devāḥ kapótaḥ ||
3 Let not the Arrow that hath wings distract us: beside the fire-place, on the hearth it settles. May, it bring welfare to our men and cattle: here let the Dove, ye Gods, forbear to harm us.
4 The screeching of the owl is ineffective and when beside the fire the Dove hath settled, To him who sent it hither as an envoy, to him be reverence paid, to Death, to Yama.
5 Drive forth the Dove, chase it with holy verses: rejoicing, bring ye hither food and cattle, Barring the way against all grief and trouble. Let the swift bird fly forth and leave us vigour.
3 Here, verily, I bind you fast, as the two bow-ends with the string. Press down these men, O Lord of Speech, that they may humbly speak to me.
abhibhū́r ahám ā́gamaṃ viśvákarmeṇa dhā́manā | ā́ vaś cittám ā́ vo vratám ā́ vo 'háṃ sámitiṃ dade ||
4 Hither I came as conqueror with mighty all-effecting power, And I have mastered all your thought, your synod, and your holy work.
yogakṣemáṃ va ādā́ya ahám bhūyāsam uttamá | ā́ vo mūrdhā́nam akramīm adhaspadā́n ma úd vadata maṇḍū́kā iva udakā́n maṇḍū́kā udakā́d iva ||
5 May I be highest, having gained your strength in war, your skill in peace my feet have trodden on your heads. Speak to me from beneath my feet, as frogs from out the water croak, as frogs from out the water croak.
1 THIS pleasant meath, O Indra, is effused for thee: thou art the ruling Lord of beaker and of juice. Bestow upon us wealth with many hero sons: thou, having glowed with Fervour, wonnest heavenly light.
2 Let us call Śakra to libations here effused, winner of light who joyeth in the potent juice. Mark well this sacrifice of ours and come to us: we pray to Maghavan the Vanquisher of hosts.
3 By royal Soma's and by Varuṇa's decree, under Bṛhaspati's and Anumati's guard, This day by thine authority, O Maghavan, Maker, Disposer thou! have I enjoyed the jars.
4 1, too, urged on, have had my portion, in the bowl, and as first Prince I drew forth this my hymn of praise, When with the prize I came unto the flowing juice, O Viśvāmitra, Jamadagni, to your home.
10,168 Vāyu
10.CLXVIII Vāyu
vā́tasya nú mahimā́naṃ ráthasya rujánn eti stanáyann asya ghóṣaḥ | divispŕ̥g yāti aruṇā́ni kr̥ṇvánn utó eti pr̥thivyā́ reṇúm ásyan ||
1 O THE Wind's chariot, O its power and glory! Crashing it goes and hath a voice of thunder. It makes the regions red and touches heaven, and as it moves the dust of earth is scattered.
2 Along the traces of the Wind they hurry, they come to him as dames to an assembly. Borne on his car with these for his attendants, the God speeds forth, the universe's Monarch.
antárikṣe pathíbhir ī́yamāno ná ní viśate katamác canā́haḥ | apā́ṃ sákhā prathamajā́ r̥tā́vā kúva svij jātáḥ kúta ā́ babhūva ||
3 Travelling on the paths of air's mid-region, no single day doth he take rest or slumber. Holy and earliest-born, Friend of the waters, where did he spring and from what region came he?
ātmā́ devā́nām bhúvanasya gárbho yathāvaśáṃ carati devá eṣáḥ | ghóṣā íd asya śr̥ṇvire ná rūpáṃ tásmai vā́tāya havíṣā vidhema ||
4 Germ of the world, the Deities’ vital spirit, this God moves ever as his will inclines him. His voice is heard, his shape is ever viewless. Let us adore this Wind with our oblation.
1 MAY the wind blow upon our Cows with healing: may they eat herbage full of vigorous juices. May they drink waters rich in life and fatness: to food that moves on feet be gracious, Rudra.
2 Like-coloured, various-hued, or single-coloured, whose names through sacrifice are known to Agni, Whom the Aṅgirases produced by Fervour, —vouchsafe to these, Parjanya, great protection.
3 Those who have offered to the Gods their bodies, whose varied forms are all well known to Soma, —Those grant us in our cattle-pen, O Indra, with their full streams of milk and plenteous offspring.
4 Prajāpati, bestowing these upon me, one-minded with all Gods and with the Fathers, Hath to our cow-pen brought auspicious cattle: so may we own the offspring they will bear us.
1 MAY the Bright God drink glorious Soma-mingled meath, giving the sacrifice's lord uninjured life; He who, wind-urged, in person guards our offspring well, hath nourished them with food and shines o’er many a land.
2 Radiant, as high Truth, cherished, best at winning strength, Truth based upon the statute that supports the heavens, He rose, a light, that kills Vṛtras and enemies, best slayer of the Dasyus, Asuras, and foes.
3 This light, the best of lights, supreme, all-conquering, winner of riches, is exalted with high laud. All-lighting, radiant, mighty as the Sun to see, he spreadeth wide unfailing victory and strength.
4 Beaming forth splendour with thy light, thou hast attained heaven's lustrous realm. By thee were brought together all existing things, possessor of all Godhead, All-effecting God.
1 THE sapient with their spirit and their mind behold the Bird adorned with all an Asura's magic might. Sages observe him in the ocean's inmost depth: the wise disposers seek the station of his rays.
2 The flying Bird bears Speech within his spirit: erst the Gandharva in the womb pronounced it: And at the seat of sacrifice the sages cherish this radiant, heavenly-bright invention.
ápaśyaṃ gopā́m ánipadyamānam ā́ ca párā ca pathíbhiś cárantam | sá sadhrī́cīḥ sá víṣūcīr vásāna ā́ varīvarti bhúvaneṣu antáḥ ||
3 I saw the Herdsman, him who never resteth, approaching and departing on his pathways. He, clothed in gathered and diffusive splendour, within the worlds continually travels.
1 THIS very mighty one whom Gods commission, the Conqueror of cars, ever triumphant, Swift, fleet to battle, with uninjured fellies, even Tārkṣya for our weal will we call hither.
2 As though we offered up our gifts to Indra, may we ascend. him as a ship. for safety. Like the two wide worlds, broad, deep far-extended, may we be safe both when he comes and leaves you.
sadyáś cid yáḥ śávasā páñca kr̥ṣṭī́ḥ sū́rya iva jyótiṣāpás tatā́na | sahasrasā́ḥ śatasā́ asya ráṃhir ná smā varante yuvatíṃ ná śáryām ||
3 He who with might the Five Lands hath pervaded, like Sūrya with his lustre, and the waters—His strength wins hundreds, thousands none avert it, as the young maid repelleth not her lover.
2 Oblation is prepared: come to us, Indra; the Sun hath travelled over half his journey. Friends with their stores are sitting round thee waiting like lords of clans for the tribe's wandering chieftain.
3 Dressed in the udder and on fire, I fancy; well-dressed, I fancy, is this recent present. Drink, Indra, of the curd of noon's libation with favour, Thunderer, thou whose deeds are mighty.
10,180 Indra
10.CLXXX Indra
prá sasāhiṣe puruhūta śátrūñ jyéṣṭhas te śúṣma ihá rātír astu | índrā́ bhara dákṣiṇenā vásūni pátiḥ síndhūnām asi revátīnām ||
1 O MUCH-INVOKED, thou hast subdued thy foemen: thy might is loftiest; here display thy bounty. In thy right hand, O Indra, bring us treasures: thou art the Lord of rivers filled with riches.
2 Like a dread wild beast roaming on the mountain thou hast approached us from the farthest distance. Whetting thy bold and thy sharp blade, O Indra, crush thou the foe and scatter those who hate us.
3 Thou, mighty Indra, sprangest into being as strength for lovely lordship o’er the people. Thou drovest off the folk who were unfriendly, and to the Gods thou gavest room and freedom.
10,181 Viśvedevas
10.CLXXXI Viśvedevas
práthaś ca yásya sapráthaś ca nā́ma ā́nuṣṭubhasya havíṣo havír yát | dhātúr dyútānāt savitúś ca víṣṇo rathaṃtarám ā́ jabhārā vásiṣṭhaḥ ||
1 VASIṢṬHA mastered the Rathantara, took it from radiant Dhātar, Savitar, and Viṣṇu, Oblation, portion of fourfold oblation, known by the names of Saprathas and Prathas.
2. These sages found what lay remote and hidden, the sacrifice's loftiest secret essence. From radiant Dhātar, Savitar, and Viṣṇu, from Agni, Bharadvāja brought the Brhat.
té avindan mánasā dī́dhiyānā yáju ṣkannám prathamáṃ devayā́nam | dhātúr dyútānāt savitúś ca víṣṇor ā́ sū́riyād abharan gharmám eté ||
3 They found with mental eyes the earliest Yajus, a pathway to the Gods, that had descended. From radiant Dhātar, Savitar, and Viṣṇu, from Sūrya did these sages bring the Gharma.
1 BṚHASPATI lead us safely over troubles and turn his evil thought against the sinner; Repel the curse, and drive away ill-feeling, and give the sacrificer peace and comfort!
nárāśáṃso no avatu prayājé śáṃ no astu anuyājó háveṣu | kṣipád áśastim ápa durmatíṃ hann áthā karad yájamānāya śáṃ yóḥ ||
2 May Narāśaṁsa aid us at Prayāja: blest be our Anuyāja at invokings. May he repel the curse, and chase ill-feeling, and give the sacrificer peace and comfort.
tápurmūrdhā tapatu rakṣáso yé brahmadvíṣaḥ śárave hántavā́ u | kṣipád áśastim ápa durmatíṃ hann áthā karad yájamānāya śáṃ yóḥ ||
3 May he whose head is flaming burn the demons, haters of prayer, so that the arrow slay them. May he repel the curse and chase ill-feeling, and give the sacrificer peace and comfort.
1 I SAW thee meditating in thy spirit what sprang from Fervour and hath thence developed. Bestowing offspring here, bestowing riches, spread in thine offspring, thou who cravest children.
2 I saw thee pondering in thine heart, and praying that in due time thy body might be fruitful. Come as a youthful woman, rise to meet me: spread in thine offspring, thou who cravest children.
3 In plants and herbs, in all existent beings I have deposited the germ of increase. All progeny on earth have I engendered, and sons in women who will be hereafter.
3 The place is common, common the assembly, common the mind, so be their thought united. A common purpose do I lay before you, and worship with your general oblation.
samānī́ va ā́kūtiḥ samānā́ hŕ̥dayāni vaḥ | samānám astu vo máno yáthā vaḥ súsahā́sati |
4 One and the same be your resolve, and be your minds of one accord. United be the thoughts of all that all may happily agree.
Complete text
Maṇḍala I