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IGVEDA
I COMMENTARY
., C. I. B.
VBD lATB DIBCCTOR ODB
'* CO.
THE
HYMNS OF THE RIGVEDA
TRANSLATED WITH A POPULAR COMMENTARY
BT
RALPH T. H. GRIFFITH, M.A,C.I.B.
FORMER PRINCIPAL OF THV BENARES COLLEGE, AND LATE DIBVCTOR PUBUC 1N8TBU0TI0N N.-W. P. AND OUDH
Sectxnd Edition.
COMPLETE IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. II.
BENARES :
PR^R^'AND PUBUSHED BT B. J. LAlARUS AND CO.
1897. All rights restrved.
?
^^^4.
■^■"^^^K^
'^/^RABN^^
THE
HYMNS OF THE RIGVEDA
TRANSLATED WITH A POPULAR (COMMENTARY
BT
BALPH T. H. GBIFFITH, M. A., C. I. B.
FORMER PRINCIPAL OF THV BENARES COLLEGE, AND LATE DIBVCTOR PUBUC INBTRUOTION N.-W. P. AND OUDH
Second Edition.
COMPLETE IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. II.
BENARES :
PRiP^n^'AND PUBU8HBD BT B. J. LAlARUS AND C0«
»' *'v:sf
1897. All rights reserved.
4 TEE UYMXS OF [BOOK VIT.
5 With holy thoughts the pious have thrown open Doors fain for
chariots in the Gods' assembly. Like two full mother cows who lick their youngling, like maid- ens for the gathering, they adorn them.
6 And let the two exalted Heavenly Ladies, Morning and Nighty
like a cow good at milking. Come, much-invoked, and on our grass be seated, wealthy, deserving worship, for our welfare.
7 You, Bards an I Singers at men's sacrifices, both filled with
wisdom, I incline to worship. Send up our offerings when we call upon you, and so among the Gods obtain us treasures.
8 May Bharati with all her Sisters, l\k accordant with the Gods,
with mortals Agni, Sarasvati with all her kindred Rivers, come to this gmss. Three Goddesses, and seat them.
9 Well pleased with us do thou, 0 God, 0 Tvashtar, give ready
issue to our procreant vigour, Whence springs the hero, powerful, skilled in action, lover of Gods, adjuster of the press-stones.
10 Send to the Gods the oblation. Lord of Forests, and let the
Immolator, Agni, dress it. He as the truer Priest shall offer worship, for the Gods' gene- rations .well he knoweth.
11 Come thou to us, 0 Agni, duly kindled, together with the
potent Grods and Indra. On this our grass sit Aditi, happy Mother, and let our Hall | delight the Gods Immortal.
HYMN in. • Agni.
Associate with fires, make your God Agni envoy at sacrifice, ' best skilled in worship,
Established firm among mankind, the Holy, flame-crowned and fed with oil, the Purifier.
5 DoQTi : the deified doors of the ball of saciifine where the Godd assemble. Fain for chariots : welcoming the approach of the cars in which the priests come to the ceremony. The latter half of the stanza is obscure ; '(the ladies) placed to the east are plyiug the fire with ghi at sacrifices, as the mother p*W3 lick the calf, or as rivers (water the fields).' — Wilson.
6 LU'e a eow : the dual dhen'A, two cows, iiistead of dhenuhf would, as Lud- wig suggests, seem to us to be preferable.
7 Bardf and Singers: the hdtdrdj or 'two Invokers* of I. 13. 8 ; perhaps Agni and Varuna, or Varuna and Aditya.
8 Stanzas 8-^11 are identioal with stanzas 8 — 11 of Book III. 4.
- J Jssoaiatet sajdihdtk being a shortened form of sajdahasahy the nominative ^ ' planJ, aAymmt fixplnJoB it as «Q acc\isattY« singuW, c^uiM'jVfti^ ^S^v V
TBS BYMNS OP {BOOK Vlt.
HYMN IV. Agni.
Bring forth your gifts to his refulgent splendour, your hymn
as purest offering to Agni, To him who goes as messenger with knowledge between all
sons of men aikl Gods in beayen.
2 Wise must this Agni be, though young and tender, since he
was bom, Most Youthful, of his Mother ; He who with bright teeth seizeth fast the forests, and eats bis food, though plenteous, in a moment.
3 Before his presence must we all assemble, this God's whom
men have seized in his white splendour. This Agni who hath brooked that men should seize him hath shone for man with glow insufferable.
4 Far-seeing hath this Agni been established, deathless mid
mortals, wise among the foolish. Here, O victorious Ood, forbear to harm us : may we for ever share thy gracious favour. ,
5 He who hath occupied his God- made dwelling, Agni, in wisdom
hath surpassed Immortals. A Babe unborn, the plants and trees support him, and the earth beareth him tha All-sustainer.
6 Agni is Lord of Amrit in abundance. Lord of the gift of wealth
and hero valour. Victorious God, let us not sit about thee like men devoid of strength, beauty, and worship.
7 The foeman's treasure may be won with labour : may we be
masters of our own possessions. Agni, no son is he who springs from others : lengthen not out the pathways of the foolish.
S Unwelcome for adoption is the stranger, one to be though of as another's offspring. Though grown familiar by continual presence. May our strong hero come, freshly triumphant.
5 Mutt we all assemble : I follow Ludwfg in his interpy^ation el sams^di ,- as we are forsakeo, ftnd our protector is far away (st. 6, 7, 8), we must crowd to the God of Fire for defence.
6 lu the second line I have borrowed from Prof. Max Milller, Vedic Hymns, I. p. 80.
7 Let us remain in undisturbed possession of our own property, and let ub hl^ye sons of our own begetting and not the adopted children of others.
8 Men do not look with pleastire and affBctioo od adopted sons ; but we are knglng to see our absent protector return to us. — Ludwig. Others explain ilielftsi^halfverae differently : * therefore let there come to us (aeoo) new-bora,
poggeased of food, victorious over foe*.' — Wilioiv^
BTMi^ 5.1 TSS RtOVEDI. 7
8 Guard us from bim who would assail us, Agni ; preserve ub
O thou Victor, from dishonour. Here let the place of darkening come upon thee : maj wealth be ours, desirable, in thousands.
10 Shine this felicity on us, O Agni : may we attain to perfect understanding. All happiness be theirs who sing and praise thee. Ye Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.
HYMN V. Agni
Bring forth your song of praise to mighty Agni, the speedy
messenger of earth and heaven, Vaisv^nara, who, with those wh(5 wake, hath waxen great in
the lap of "all the Gods Immortal.
2 Sought in the heavens, on earth is^Agni stablished, leader of
rivers. Bull of standing waters. Vaisvanara, when he hath grown in glory, shines on the tribes of men with light and treasure.
3 For fear of thee forth fled the dark-hued races, scattered
abroad, deserting their possessions. When, glowing, O Vaisv&nara, for Puru, thou, Agni, didst light up and rend their castles.
4 Agni Vaisvanara, both Earth and Heaven submit them to
thy threefold jurisdiction. Refulgent in thine undecaying lustre thou hast invested both the worlds with splendour.
5 Agni, the tawny horses, loudly neighing, our resonant hymns
that drop with oil, attend thee ; Lord of the tribes, our Charioteer of riches. Ensign of days,
VaisvS.nara of mornings.
-»-. . . .... I — ■■'
9 This stanza is a repetition of VI. l5, 12, where see note.
10 Repeated from stanza 10 of the preceding hymn.
The hymn is addressed to Agni as Yaisv&nara, the God who is present with, and b^iefits, all Aryan men.
1 With thxfse who loake : tended by the priests. According to SAyana ' as- sociated with the wakened Gods.'
2 BuU of standing waters : the meaning of ttiyindm is uncertain. Perhaps, as Ludwig suggests, plants and bushes are intended which Agni like a bull levels with the ground.
3 The dark-hued races : according to von Roth, the spirits of darkness. For • PHru : or, for man.
4 Threefold jurisdiction : in heaven, mid-air, and earth.
6 The tatonif Iwrses : the hymns that hasten to Agni like eager horses. Ludwig tran:ilates the haritu^ of the text by * gold-yellow,' c^UTJJdYvtt\t^^l"'KB.v> that la, hjrwns with libationa of yellow Soma juice.
f
TfiE nrum or [book vn.
6 In thee, O bright ns Mitra, Vasus seated the might of Asuras,
for they loved thy spirit. Thou dravest Dasyus from their home, 0 Agni, and brought- est forth broad light to light the Arya.
7 Bom in the loftiest heaven thou in a moment reachest, like
wind, the place where Gods inhabit. Thou, favouring thine offspring, roaredst loudly when giving life to creatures, J^tavedas.
B Send us that strength, Vaisvinara, send it, Agni, that strength, 0 JUtavedas, full of splendour, Wherewith, all-bounteous God, thou pourest riches, as fame wide-spreading, on the man who offers.
9 Agni, bestow upon our chiefs and nobles that famous power, that wealth which feedeth many. Accordant with the Vasus and the Rudras, Agni, Vaisvanara, give us sure protection.
HYMN VI. Agni.
Praise of the Asura, high imperial Ruler, the Manly One in
whom the folk shall triumph — I laud his deeds who is as strong as Indra, and lauding celebrate
the Fort-destroyer.
2 Sage, Sign, Food, Light,— they bring him from the mountain,
the blessM Sovran of the earth and heaven. I decorate with songs the mighty actions which Agni, Fort- destroyer, did aforetime.
3 The foolish, faithless, rudely-speaking niggards, without belief
or sacrifice or worship, — Far, far away hath Agni chased those Dasyus, and, in the east, hath turned the godless westward.
4 Him who brought eastward, manliest with his prowess, the
Maids rejoicing in the western darkness, That Agni I extol, the Lord of riches, unyielding tamer of assailing foemen.
5 Him who brake down the walls with deadly weapons, and
gave the Mornings to a noble Husband,
6 Thxm dravest: cf. I. 117. 21.
1 FoH-destroyer : demoUrther of the cloud-castles of the demons of drought, or of the strongholds of the non- Aryan tiibes.
2 Prom the mountain : from the cloud, as lightning. S Westioard : into the darkness of night.
4 Who brought eastward : brought back the vanished lights of dawn.
B To a noble Hutiband : the Sun, or Agni himself. Tiie tribes of Nahus : or, Mccording to von Both, ne^hbouring peopU.
RYMff 1,] TBS kWtEDA, f
Young Agni, who with conquering strength subduing the tribes of NahuG( made them bring their tribute.
6 In whose protection all then rest by nature, desiring to enjoy
his gracious favour — Agni VaisvUnara in his Parents' bosom hath found the choic- est seat in earth atid heaven.
7 Vaisv^nara the God, at the sun's setting, hath taken Us
himself deep-hidden treasures : Agni hath taken them from earth and heaven, from the sea under and the sea above usi
HYMN VII. Agtfi.
I SEND forth even yotir God, victorious Agni, like a strong
courser, with mine adoration. Herald of sacrifice be he who knoweth : he hath reached Gods,
himself, with measured motion.
2 By paths that are thine own come hither, Agni, joyous, delight^
ing in the Gods' alliance, Making the heights of earth roar with thy fury, burning with eager teeth the woods and forests.
3 The grass is strewn ; the sacrifice advances : adored as Priest^
Agni is made propitious, Invoking both All-boon-bestowing Mothers of whom. Most Youthful ! thou wast bom to help us.
4 Forthwith the men, the best of these for wisdom, have made
him leader in the solemn worship. As Lord in homes of men is Agni stablished, the Holy One, the joyous," sweetly speaking.
5 He hath come, chosen bearer, and is seated in man's home,
Brahman, Agni, the Supporter, He whom both Heaven and Earth exalt and strengthen, whom, Giver of all boons, the Hotar worships.
6 These have passed all in glory, who, the manly, have wrought
with skill the hymn of adoration ;
7 Agni becomes the representative of the Sun, and in his absence gives light and other blessings to man. The sea above us : the ocean of air.
1 Like a strong courser : glorified with my praises, like a horse that has been groomed and adorned. Or, perhaps, merely, rapid as a horse. ^ With measured motion : or, a speedy runner. SAyana explains the word mitddruh in this place as 'consumer of trees/ but in XY. 6. 5 »» parimitagatihf * with ipeasured motion.*
5 ^B^ Mo^Aet-t; Heaven and Earth.
10 ^ffs ffYMj^s oiP [600K vn.
Who, listening, have advanced the people's welfare, and set their thoughts on this my holy statute. 7 We, the Vasishthas, now implore thee, Agni, 0 Son of Strength, the Lord of wealth and treasure. Thou hast brought food to singers and to nobles. Ye Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.
HYMN VIII. Agni.
The King whose face is decked with oil is kindled with homage
offered by his faithful servant. The men, the priests adore him with oblations. Agni hath
shone forth when the dawn is breaking.
2 Yea, he hath been acknowledged as most mighty, the joyous Priest of men, the youthful Agni. He, spreading o'er the earth, made light around him, and grew among the plants with blackened fellies.
S How dost thou decorate our hymn, 0 Agni ? What power dost thou exert when thou art lauded ? When, Bounteous God, may we be lords of riches, winners of precious wealth which none may conquer ?
4 Far famed is this the Bharata's own Agni : he shineth like
the Sun with lofty splendour. He who hath vanquished Puru in the battle, the heavenly guest hath glowed in full refulgence.
5 Full many oblations are in thee collected : with all thine
aspects thou hast waxen gracious. Thou art already famed as praised and lauded, yet still, O nobly bom, increase thy body.
6 Be this my song, that winneth countless treasure, engendered
with redoubled force for Agni, That, splendid, chasing sickness, slaying demons, it may delight our friend and bless the singers.
7 We, the Vasishthas, now implore thee, Agni, 0 Son of
Strength, the Lord of wealth and riches. Thou hast brought food to singers and to nobles. Ye Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.
■- — — — -
6 Who set their thoughts on this my holy statute: that is, apparently, who duly observe the law which requires us to worship Agni * Who are glorifiere of this truthful (deity).' — Wilson.
2 With hUtckened fellies : leaving black tracks behind him: * dark-pathed. ' — Wilson.
4 The Bharata : Vasishtha, the purohita of the Bharatas. PHim : the Pftrus, (one of the Five Aryan Tribes) who opposed the Bharatas.
6 Countless treasure: literally, hundreds, thousands. Our friend: th^ Inetitutor of the BOcriMoe,
HYMN IX. AgnL
RousBD from their bosom is the Dawns' belovkl, the joyous
Priest, most sapient, Purifier. He gives a signal both to Gods and mortals, to Gods oblations,
riches to the pious.
2 Most incise is he who, forcing doors of Panis, brought the
bright Sun to us who feedetn many. The cheerful Priest, men's Friend and home-companion^ through still night's darkness he is made apparent.
3 Wise, ne'er deceived, uncircumscribed, refulgent, our gracious
guest, a Friend with good attendants, Shines forth with wondrous light before the Mornings : the young plants hath he entered. Child of Waters.
4 Seeking our gatherings, he, your J4tavedas, hath shone ador-
able through human ages, Who gleams refulgent with his lovely lustre : the kine have waked to meet him when enkindled.
5 Go on thy message to the Gods, and fail not, 0 Agni, with
their band who pray and worship. Bring all the Gods that they may give us riches, Sarasvatf, the Maruts, As v ins, Waters.
6 Vasishtha, when enkindling thee, 0 Agni, hath slain Jar&tha.
Give us wealth in plenty. Sing praise in choral song, 0 Jatavedas. Ye Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.
HYMN X. Agni
Hb bath sent forth, bright, radiant, and refulgent, like the
Dawn's Lover, his far-spreading lustre. Pure m his splendour shines the goLien Hero : our longing
thoughts hath he aroused and wakened.
S He, like the Sun, bath shone while Mom is breaking, and priests who weave the sacrifice sing praises, Agniy the God, who knows their generations and visits Gods, most bounteous, rapid envoy.
Tht J)awn$* beloved : Agni, as lighted np at day-break. A ngnal : of ■acrifice, which men are to offer and Qods are to receive.
6 j€nrdt?M : see VII. 1.7, where the destruction of Jarfltha is ascribed to Agni himself. Jaruthtt, said by Sftyapa to have been a lidkshasa or demon, was probably an enemy who was slain in a battle at which Vasishtha was present as purohita, — Ludwig.
1 Uh€ tU.Dawh't Lover : the &un. See I. 69. 1.
1 J/tJpriesis.' I adopt SAyaaa^s interpretation of thla b«k\i-\vaft.
\i TffS BYMN8 OP [BOOK VIL
^ Our songs and holy hymns go fortli to Agni, seeking the God and asking him for riches. Him fair to see, of goodly aspect^ mighty, men's messengei? trho carries their oblations.
4 Joined with the Vasus, Agni, bi*lng thou Indra, bring hither mighty Rudra with the RudraSj Aditi good to all men with Adityas, Brihaspati All-bouiltecWg<< with the Singers*
6 Men eagerly implore at sacrifices Agni, Most Youthful God, the joyous Herald, ti'or he is Lord and Ruler over riches, and foi* Gods* worship an unwearied envoy.
HYMN XI. Agni.
Great art thou, Agni, sacrifice's Herald : ndt without thee are
deathless Gods made joyful. Come hitber With all Deities about thee : here take thy seat,
the first, as Priest, 0 Agni.
2 Men with oblations evermore entreat thee, the swift, to under-
take an envoy's duty. He oh whose sacred grass with Gods thou sittest, to him, 0 Agni, are the days propitious.
3 Three times a day in thee are shown the treasures sent for
the mortal who presents oblation. Bring the Gods hither like a man, 0 Agni : be thou our envoy, guarding us from curses.
4 iiOixl of the lofty sacrifice is Agni, Agni is Lord of every gift
presented. The Vasus were contented with his wisdom, so the Gods made him their oblation-bearer.
5 0 Agni, briag the Gods to taste our presents : with Indra
leading, here let them be joyful. Convey this sacrifice to Gods in heaven. Ye Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.
4 Singers : or Uikvana, deities who attend and sing the praises of some God : * the adorable (Angirasas).*—- Wilson.
V 8 Three times a day : at the morning, the noon, and the evening libation. Or the meaning may be, in the three fire-receptacles. Like a man : acting like a human priest. The Commentators explain nianu8hvdt by ' as (at the mHfrjdce) ofManu, *
BTMN 14.] TRE RIGVEDA, 18
HYMN XII. Agni.
Wb with great reverence have approached The Youngest who hath shone forth well-kindled in his dwelling,
With wondrous light between wide earth and heaven> well- worshipped, looking forth in all directions.
2 Through bis great might overcoming all misfortunes, praised
in the house is Agni Jd^t^avedas. May he protect us from disgrace and trouble, both us who laud bim and our noble patrons.
3 O Agni, thou art Varuna and Mitra : Yasishthas with their
holy hymns exalt thee. With thee be most abundant gain of treasure. Ye Grods, preserve us evermore with blessings.
HYMN XIII. Agni.
Bring song and hymn to Agni, Asura-slayer, enlightener of
all and thought-bestower. Like an oblation on the grass, to please himi I bring this to
Vaisv^nara, hymn-inspirer.
2 Thou with thy flame, 0 Agni, brightly glowing, hast at thy birth filled full the earth and heaven. Thou with thy might, Vaisvanara Jatavedas, settest the Gods free from the curse that bound them.
. 3 Agni, when born, thou lookedst on all creatures, like a brisk herdsman moving round his cattle. The path to prayer, Vaisv4nai a, thou foundest. Ye Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.
HYMN XIV, Agni.
WiTP reverence and with offered gifts serve we the God whose
flame is bright % Let us bring Jatavedas fuej, mA adore Agni when we invoke
the Gods.
9 Agni, may we perform thy rites with fuel, and honour thee, O Holy One, with praises ; Honour thee, Priest of sacrifice ! with butter, thee, God of blessM light ! with our oblation.
M The Youngest : Agni, roost youthful of the Gods, ^ being continually
Mroduoed.
r2 The eurte that bound them : tbe Gods Beam to have befell SMVi^etV. \» Vsa '-' hfimiiiies of o)d age until Jndra, or, as is here said, Agu'i, it«^ V^«\ii« ^^^ "^" ^. 19, a,
r
14 Tff^ ffYMNS OP [BOOK Vtt.
3 Come, Agni, with the Gods to our invoking, come, pleased, to offerings sanctified with Vashat. May we be his who pays thee, i&od, dtie honour. Ye Gods, preserve ns evermore with blessings.
HYMN XV. Agni.
OffeK oblations in his mouthy the bounteotifl Grod's whom we
must serve, His who is nearest kin to us :
2 Who for the Fivefold People's sake bath seated him in everjF
home. Wise, Youthful, Master of the house.
3 On all sides may that Agni g^ard our household folk and
property ; May he deliver us from woe*
4 I have begotten this new hymn for Agni, Falcon of the sky ? Will he not give us of his wealth %
6 Whose glories when he glows in front of sacrifice are fau to see. Like wealth of one with hero soni?.
6 May he enjoy this hallowed gift, Agni accept our songs, who
bears Oblations, best of worshippers*
7 Lord of the bouse, whom men must seek, we aret thee down^
0 Worshipped One ! Bright, rich in heroes^ Agni I God I
8 Shine forth at night and morn : through thee with fires ar«
we provided well. Thou, rich in heroes, art our Friend.
9 The men come near thee for their gain, the singers with theii
songs of praise : Speech, thousandfold, comes near to thee.
10 Bright, Purifier, meet for praise^ Imemortal with refulgeii^
glow, Agni drives Elbkshasas away.
11 As such, bring us abundant wealth, young Child of Strength
for this thou canst : May Bhaga give us what i» choice.
J 3 San^tijkd with Vaihat : Yaskat (may he bear it to the Gods) is th< exclamation used at the moment of pouring the sacrificial oil or darifiec butter on the fire.
P Speeekj dZsAard, the imperiBhable *, heve a^^eekii^ the shape ol pri^uic
^TMN 16 ] THE RIOVEDA, II
2 Thou, Agni, givest hero fame : Bbaga and Savitar the God, And Diti give ub what is good.
3 Agni, preserve us from distress : consume our enemies, 0 God, Eternal, with thy hottest flames.
4 And, irresistible, be thou a mighty iron fort to us, With hundred walls for man's defence.
5 Do thou preserve us, eve and mom, from sorrow, from the
wicked men, Infallible ! by day and night.
HYMN XVL Agni.
With this my reverent hymn I call Agni for you, the Son of
Strength, Dear, wisest envoy, served with noble sacrifice, immortal
messenger of all.
2 His two red horses, all-supporting, let him yoke : let him,
well-worshipped, urge them fast. Then hath the sacrifice good prayers and happy end, and heavenly gift of wealth to men.
3 The flame of him the Bountiful, the Much-invoked, hath
mounted up. And his red-coloured smoke-clouds reach and touch the sky : the men are kindling Agni well.
4 Thee, thee Most Glorious One we make our messenger. Bring
the Gods hither to the feast. Give us, 0 Son of Strength, all food that feedeth man : give that for which we pray to thee.
5 Thou, Agni, art the homestead's Lord, our Herald at the
sacrifice. Lord of all boons, thou art the Cleanser and a Sage. Pay worship, and enjoy the good.
o Give riches to the sacrificer, O Most Wise, for thou art he who granteth wealth. Inspire with zeal each priest at this our solemn rite, all who are skilled in singing praise.
^ O Agni who art worshipped well, dear let our princes be to thee, Our wealthy patrons who are governors of men, who part, as gifts, their stalls of kine.
12 Diti : generally regarded as the opposite of Aditi, which may have been iw word used by the poet, changed by later reciters, who considered the irregulur, into Diti. See Vedic Hymns, I. p. 256.
S Herald.' Zfotar, or inroking priest. Cleanser: Potar, or pwT\€LW»BXkC\V)ttAr f the oMciatiag pneaU. Agni performs the dutiea of all Vium«Xk ^\\ft»k\i^, \
16 THE HYMNS OP [BOOK VIL
8 They in whose home, her hand bearing the sacred oil, l\k sita down well-satisfied — Guard them, Victorious God, from slander and from harm : give us a refuge famed afar.
9 Do thou, a Priest with pleasant tongue, most wise, and very- near to us, Agni, bring riches hither to our liberal chiefs, and speed the offering oiF our gifts.
10 They who bestow as bounty plenteous wealth of steeds, moved
by desire of great renown — Do thou with saving help preserve them from distress. Most Youthful ! with a hundred forts.
11 The God who gives your wealth demands a full libation poured
to him. Pour ye it forth, then fill the vessel full again : then doth the God pay heed to you.
12 Him have the Gods appointed Priest of sacrifice, oblation-
bearer, passing wise. Agni gives wealth and valour to the worshipper, to folk who offer up their gifts.
HYMN XVII. Agni.
Agni, be kindled well with proper fuel, and let the grass be scattered wide about thee.
2 Let the impatient Portals be thrown open : bring thou the
Gods impatient to come hither.
3 Taste, Agni : serve the Gods with our oblation. Offer good
sacrifices, J^tavedas !
4 Let J^tavedas pay fair sacrifices, worship and gratify the
Gods Immortal. 6 Wise God, win for us things that are all-goodly, and let th|^ prayers we pray to-day be fruitful.
6 Thee, even thee, the Son of Strength, 0 Agni, those Gods
have made the bearer of oblations.
7 To thee the God may we perform our worship: do thoi^
besought, grant us abundant riches.
8 Tld : the Goddess who is regarded as the Bacrificial food or if^Iation per- flonified : annariH/ipd havirlakskand devt. --Sftyai^a.
2 The impatient Portals : the doors of the sacrificial chaml>«r which long ^ bear their part in the holy ceremony.
^ ^!&ose ^odf.- the famovkB Gods.
BTMN 18] THE RIQVEDA. 17
HYMN XVIII. Indra. ^^
All is with thee, 0 Indra, all the treasures which erst our fathers won who sang thy praises.
With thee are milch-kine good to milk, and horses : hest win- ner thou of riches for the pious.
2 For like a King among his wives thou dwellest : with glories,
as a Sage, surround and help us. Make us, thy servants, strong for wealth, and honour our songs with kine and steeds and decoration.
3 Here these our holy hymns with joy and gladness in pious
emulation have approached thee. Hitherward come thy path that leads to riches : may we find shelter in thy favour, Indra.
4 Yasishtha hath poured iorth his prayers, desiring to milk thee
like a cow in goodly pasture. All these my people call thee Lord of cattle : may Indra come unto the prayer we offer.
5 What though the floods spread widely, Indra made them
shallow and easy for Sudels to traverse. He, worthy of our praises, caused the Simyu, foe of our hymn, to curse the rivers' fury.
6 Eager for spoil wfiw Turvasa PurodA.8, fain to win wealth, like
fishes urged by hunger. The Bhrigus and the Druhyus quickly listened : friend rescued friend mid the two distant peoples.
The hymn glorifies Indra as the protector of SudAs, the King of the Tritsus, and praises the liberality of that prince. See VedU India (Story of the Nations Series), pp. 819—832.
4 VcuishJtha: the Rishi of the hymn, and the chief priest who had accompanied the warlike expedition of Sud&s. To milk thee: to obtain riches through thy favour by means of my hymn, as men milk the cow at Mcrifioe for the milk which is required for libations.
5 The poet begins to recount the events of Sud&s's victorious expedition. These are not always intelligible partly on account of the obscure phraseology employed, and partly on account of our ignorance of details which are vaguely allud^ to. In this stanza SudAs, king or chief of the Tritsu tribe, has, with the aid of Indra, crossed a deep river (the Parushnt which is now called the KAvt), and put the Simyus to flight, some of the fugitives being drowned in its waters. The Simyus are mentioned together with the Dasyus, in I. 1 00. 18, as hostile barbarians slain by Indra. The second half of the stanza is difficult, the meaning of two of the words being uncertain.
6 Turvasa PantdU : Turvasa appears here as one of the enemies of Sud&s. I follow, with much hesitation, Lutlwig in taking Purod^H as an api>ellative of Turvasa: 'Turvasa, who was preceding (at solemn rites).* —Wiltjon. The BhriguB and theBruhyus: here, apparently, alliett of Turvasa. FUht^x aoooi'ding to othent, Mateyaa, a people,
2
18 THE HYMNS OP [BOOK VII.
7 Together came the Pakthas, the BhalS.nas, the Alinas, the Sivas, the Vishanins.
Yet to the Tritsus came the Aryans Comrade, through love of spoil and heroes' war, to lead them.
8 Fools, in their folly fain to waste her waters, they parted in-
exhaustible Parushni.
Lord of the Earth, he with his might repressed them : still lay the herd and the affrighted herdsman.
9 As to their goal they sped to their destruction : they sought
Parushni ; e'en the swift returned not.
Indra abandoned, to Sud^s the manly, the swiftly flying foes, unmanly babblers.
10 They went like kine unherded from the pasture, each cling-
ing to a friend as chance directed.
They who drive spotted steeds, sent down by Prisni, gave ear, the Warriors and the harnessed horses.
11 Tlie King who scattered one-and -twenty people of bott
Vaikarna tribes through lust of glory —
As the skilled priest clips grass within the chamber, so hatl the Hero Indra wrought their downfall.
7 The PaktkaSf and the rest mentioned in the firat line of the stanzi appear to have been non- Aryan tribes opposed to the Tritsus. According t* the Scholiast these names are the denominations of various ministers a religious rites, and following this interpretation Wilson translates the stanzi as follows : • Those who dress the oblation, those who pronounce auspiciou words, those who abstain from penance, those who bear horns (iu their hands) those who bestow happiness (on the^world by sacrifice), glorify that Indn who recovered the cattle^ of the i4rya from the plunderers, who slew th enemies m battle.' The Arya's Comrade : Indra, the ally of Tritsu agains the non- Aryan confederacy,
8 The confederates, who were on the right or farther bank of the Parushni intending to attack Sudfts and the Tritsus, appear to have attempted to mak the river fordable by digging channels and so diverting the water, which, i BCf'ms, rushed back into its natural bed and drowned th6 men who were cross ing the stream. The second line of the stanza is obscure and the translatio is conjectural. Wilson translates : * but he by his greatness pervades th earth, Kavi, the sou of Chayamina, like a falling victim, sleeps (in death) The herd and the herdsman are, of coiirse, the hostile band and its leader.
10 They went: the fugitives who escaped drowning. They who drive spotte steeds : the Maruts, sent down by their mother Prisni to aid Sud4s.
11 People : or, houses, i. e. families. Both Vaikarnia tribes : perhaps som^ allies of the Druhyus ; but the meaning of vaiharndyoh is uncertain. Se Zimmer, AUlndUches Leben, p. 103. Ludwig thinks that the reference is t<
M mjrtbic battle at some place called Vaikarnau between Indra (the Kinf »ad the M»rata (the one-and -twenty people). Clips growa : mXXi o\ia ^V».\w^>i!
ffTMN 18.] TBE RIO VEDA. 1 9
12 Thou, thunder-armed, o'erwhelmedst in the waters famed
ancient Kavasba and then the Druhyu. Others here claiming friendship to their friendship, devoted unto thee, in thee were joyful.
13 Indra at once with conquering might demolished all their
strong places and their seven castles. The goods of Ann's son he gave to Tritsu. May we in sacrifice conquer scornful Piiru.
14 The Anavas and Druhyiis, seeking booty, have slept, the sixty
hundred, yea, six thousand. And six-and-sixty heroes. For the pious were all these mighty exploits done by Indra.
15 These Tritsus under Indra's careful guidance came speeding
like loosed waters rushing downward. The foemen, measuring exceeding closely, abandoned to Sudas all their provisions.
1 6 The hero's side who drank the dressed oblation, ludra's denier,
far o'er earth he scattered. Indra brought down the fierce destroyer's fury. He gave them various roads, the path's Controller.
17 E'en with the weak he wrought this matchless exploit: e'en with a goat he did to death a lion. He pared the pillar's angles with a needle. Thus to Sudas Indra gave all provisions.
12 Kavaaha : perhaps the priest of one of the two Vaikarna tribes which Zimmer is inclined to identify with the Kuru-Krivis. See Altindisrhes Lef>fiiy p. 127. Others here: *for they, Indra, who are devoted to thee and glority thee, preferring thy friendship, enjoy it.'— Wilson. The exact meaning is uncertain.
18 To Trittu : to Sudfts, the King of the Tritsus.
14 The Anavas : men of the Ann tribe. The sixty hundred : * The enu- meration is very obscurely expressed, shashtih §atd shot sahasrd shashtir cuihi thai, literally, sixty hundreds, six thousands, sixty, with six more : S&yana undenstande by satdni, thousands, snhasi'dnUyartha^. ' — Wilson. * Sixty- six thousand six hundred and six.' Ludwig suggests that dusd should be read instead of ja<^, which would make the number 6666. See* Benfey, Vedica ttnd Linguistica, pp. 139 — 162.
15 Measuring exceeding closdy : \ho\i^ taking great care of their goods and reluctantly giving them up.
16 The heroes side : the party of the hostile leader, the non- Aryans who denied Indra, and themselves devoured the oblations that should have been presented to him. He gave them various roads : made them fly in all direc- tions.
17 ^en vfiih affocU: impo»8ible deeds mentioned eiA \\\ustT«AAOXi% cA\\ATi:% miraculous power.
^ THE HYMNS OF [BOOK YIL
13 To thoe have all thine enemies submitted: e'en the fierce Bheda hast thou made thy subject. Cast down thy sharpened thunderbolt, 0 Indra, on him who harms the men who sing thy praises.
19 Yamun^ and the Tritsus aided Indra. There he stripped Bheda bare of all his treasures. The Ajas and the Sigrus and the Yakshus brought in to him as tribute heads of horses.
50 Not to be scorned, but like Dawns past and recent, 0 Indra^ are thy favours and thy riches, Devaka, Manyamana's son, thou slowest, and smotest Sambara from the lofty mountain.
21 They who, from home, have gladdened thee, thy servants
Par&sara, Vasishtha, Satay&tu, Will not forget thy friendship, liberal Giver. So shall the days dawn prosperous for the princes.
22 Priest-like, with praise, I move around the altar, earning
Paijavana's reward, 0 A^ni, Two hundred cows from DevavSn's descendant, two chariot^ from Sudas with mares to draw them. *
23 Gift of Paijavana, four horses bear me in foremost place,
trained steeds with pearl to deck them. Sud^s's brown steeds, firmly-stepping, carry me and my son for progeny and glory.
24 Him whose fame spreads between wide earth and heaven, who,
as dispenser, gives each chief his portion. Seven flowing Rivers glorify like Indra. He slew Yudhy^ madhi in close encounter.
18 Bheda : an enemy of Sudds, or an unbeliever, says S&yana.
19 Yamund : the Jumna. But it is not easy to see how the expedition reached so far. The Ajas, Sigrus. and Yakshus were perhaps subject to Bheda, but nothing is known regarding them. Heads of horses •' which had been killed in battle.
20 Like Dawns : renewed every day. Devaha : not mentioned elsewhere. Aocording to Grassmann (UvdkMn mdnyamAndm refers to Sambara, ' thinking himself a God.'
21 Pard^ara is said by one authority to have been the son, and by another the grandson of the llishi Vasishtha. Sutaydta is said to be Sakti, Vsisishtha's son,
22 Here begins the ddnastati or praise of the prince's liberality. Paija- vana : Sud4s. descendant of Pijavana. Devavdii's descendant : Sud&s, Deva? v&u being either the same as Divod&sa, the father of Sud&s or one of his foi-efathers.
24 Seven Jlowing Rivers gloiify : the seven chief rivers of the Panj&b glorify him as they glorify Indra. Or, they (men) praise him as the seven, rivers praise Indra. * The seven rivers bear his glory fai' and wide' (I, 102-2). /^ae/A^iimid/ii : not luentioucd elsewhere.
StMI^ 19.] THS RtGVEDA. 21
25 Attend on Wm Oye heroic Maruts as on Sud&g's father Divod^sa. Further Paijavana's desire with favour. Guard faithfully his lasting firm dominion.
HYMN XIX. Indra.
He like a bull with sharpened horns, terrific, singly excites
and agitates all the people : Thou givest him who largely pours libations his goods who
pours not, for his own possession.
5 Thou, rerily, Indra, gavest help to Kutsa, willingly giving
ear to him in battle. When, aiding Arjuneya-t thou subduedst to him both Kuyava
and the DUsa Sushna.
• •
3 O Bold One, thou with all thine aids hast boldly holpen Sud&s
whose o3erings were accepted, Puru in winning land and slaying foemen, and Trasadasyu . son of Purukutsa.
4 At the Gods' banquet, hero-souled ! with Heroes, Lord of Bay .' Steeds, thou slewest many foemen.
Thou sentest in swift death to sleep the Dasyu, both Chumuri and Dhuni, for Dabhiti.
6 These were thy mighty powers that, Thundcr-wielder, thou
swiftly crushedfit nine-and-ninety castles : Thou capturedst the hundredth in thine onslaught ; thou slewest Namuchi, thou slewest Vf itra.
6 Old are the blessings, Indra, which thou gavest Sudas the worshipper who brought oblations. For thee, the Strong, I yoke thy strong Bay Horses : may our prayers reach thee and win strength, Most Mighty !
T Give us not up, Lord of Bay Horses, Victor, in this thine own assembly, to the wicked. Deliver xxs with true nnd faithful succours : dear may we be to thee among the princes.
25 Maruts : here, perhaps, the Maghavans or wealthy nobles are intended who stand in theaajne relation to Sud&s as the Maruts to Indra.
1 Exeiim and opiates: as Gk>d of battles. Thou: Indra. This abrupt change from the third person to the uecond is not unusual iu the Veda.
2 Arjuneya: Kutsa, descendant of Arjuna. See I. 112. 23. Kuyava: see I. 103. 8.
4 For Chumuri, Dhuni, and Dahhiti , see Vol. I. Index.
5 Namuchi : another demon of drought. See I. 53. 7. In thine onslaught ; according to S^yana, for thy dwelling : ' thou hast occupied tU« Vv\3L\i'^t^\]^ M a place of abed©.' — Wilnon.
e SitdOs.' the King of the TritauB, celebrated in the precadVa^ V^mTL.
22 THE HYMNS OP [BOOK VIL
8 May we men, Maghavan, the friends thou lovest, near thee be
joyful under thy protection. Fain to fulfil the wish of Atithigva humble the pride of Tur- vasa and Yadva.
9 Swiftly, in truth, 0 Maghavan, about thee men skilled in
hymning sing their songs and praises. Elect us also into their assembly who by their calls on thee despoiled the niggards.
10 Thine are these lauds, 0 manliest of heroes, lauds "which
revert to us and give us riches. Favour these, Indra, when they fight with foemen, as Friend and Hero and the heroes' Helper.
1 1 Now, lauded for thine aid. Heroic Indra, sped by our prayer,
wax mighty in thy body. Apportion to us stiength and habitations. Ye Gods, protect us evermore with blessings.
HYMN XX. Indra.
Strong, Godly-natured, bom for hero exploit, man's Friend,
he doth whatever deed he willeth. Saving us e'en from great transgression, Indra, the Youthful,
visiteth man's home with favour.
2 Waxing in greatness Indra slayeth Vritra : the Hero with his
aid hath helped the singer. He gave Sudas wide room and space, and often hath granted wealth to him who brought oblations.
3 Soldier unchecked, war-rousing, battling Hero, unconquered
from of old, victorious ever, Indra the very strong hath scattered armies ; yea, he hath slain each foe who fought against him.
4 Thou with thy greatness hast filled full, 0 Indra, even both
the worlds with might, 0 thou Most Mighty. Lord of Bays, Indra, brandishing bis thunder, is gratified with Soma at the banquet.
5 A Bull begat the Bull for joy of battle, and a strong Mother.
brought forth him the manly.
8 A tithigva : probably a descendant of SudAs who must have lived loog before the composition of this hymn, as the favour bestowed upcxi him bj Indra is spoken of as old in stanza 6. Yddva : or Yadu's son.
9 Elect U8 also : that is, let us share the blessings which thou withholdM from the illiberal churls who offer uo oblations and givest to those who cidl upon thee and worship thee.
5 A Bull begat the Ball : * A vigorous (god) begot a vigorous (son)/ — Muir.- Tlie father of Indra is Kasyapa, according to Sdyana ; but probably Dyaus iB j'ntenJed, A stroncf Mother : Aditi.
BYMN 21.] THE RIGVEDA. 23
He who is Chief of men, their armies' Leader, is a strong Hero, bold, and fain for booty.
6 The people falter not, nor suffer sorrow, who win themselves
this God's terrific spirit. He who with sacrifices worships Indra is lord of wealth, law- bom and law's protector.
7 Whene'er the elder fain would help the younger, the greater
Cometh to the lesser's present. Shall the Immortal sit aloof inactive? 0 Wondrous Indra, bring us wondrous riches.
8 Thy dear folk, Indra, who present oblations, are, in chief
place, thy friends, 0 Thunder-wielder. May we be best content in this thy favour, sheltered by One who slays not, but preserves us.
9 To thee the mighty hymn hath clamoured loudly, and,
Maghavan, the eloquent hath besought thee. Desire of wealth hath come upon thy singer : help us then, Sakra, to our share of riches.
10 Place us by food which thou hast given, 0 Indra, us and the wealthy patrons who command us. Let thy great power bring good to him who lauds thee. Ye Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.
HYMN XXI. Indra.
Pressed is the juice divine with milk commingled : thereto
hath Indra ever been accustomed. We wake thee, Lord of Bays, with sacrifices : mark this our
laud in the wild joy of Soma.
2 On to the rite they move, the grass they scatter, these Soma- drinkers eloquent in synod. Hither, for men to grasp, are brought the press-stones, far- thun- dering, famous, strong, that wait on heroes.
6 Law-horn : bom in accordance with the law.
7 The relations between Gods and men resemble those between elders and juniors, superiors and inferiors among men. The inferior comes to his superior with some offering in his hand and is assisted by him in return. So Indra should accept our oblations, and reward us with wealth.
9 The eloquent: atdmiih ; according to Ludwig, the Greek (TTiOjUivAog (from <n'6fJLaj mouth), mouthy, talkative, and, in a good sense, fluent, eloquent. The Commentators explain the word as ' praiser.'
1 We wake thee : or, we think of theC; serve thee.
24 TBS H7MN8 OP [BOOK Vlt.
3 Indra, thou settest free the many waters that were encompassed,
Hero, by the Dragon. Down rolled, as if on chariots borne, the rivers : through fear of thee all things created tremble.
4 Skilled in all manly deeds the God terrific hath with his
weapons mastered these opponents. Indra in rapturous joy shook down their castles : he slew them in his might, the Thunder^wielder.
6 No evil spirits have impelled us, Indra, nor fiends, O Mightiest God. with their devices. Let our true €k)d subdue the hostile rabbk : let not the lewd approach our holy worship.
6 Thou in thy strength surpassest Earth and Heaven : the
regions comprehend not all thy greatness. With thine own power and might thou slewest Vritra : no foe hath foimd the end of thee in battle.
7 Even the earlier Deities submitted their powers to thy supreme
divine dominion. Indra wins wealth and deals it out to others : men in the strife for booty call on Indra.
8 The humble hath invoked thee for protection, thee, Lord of
great felicity, O Indra. Thou with a hundred aids hast been our Helper : one who brings gifts like thee hath his defender.
9 May we, O Indra, be thy friends for ever, eagerly. Conqueror,
yielding greater homage. May, through thy grace, the strength of us who battle quell in the shock the onset of the foeman.
10 Place us by food which thou hast given, 0 Indra, us and the wealthy patrons who command us. Let thy great power bring good to him who lauds thee. Ye Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.
HYMN XXII. , Indra.
Drink Soma, Lord of Bays, and let it cheer thee : Indra, the
stone, like a well guided courser. Directed by the presser's arms hath pressei it.
4 These opponents : according to S&yana, the demons of the air. The text has no noun for * these.*
5 The lewd : those who do not follow Vedic observances, according to T&ska. For a full discussion of the meaning of slsnddevdh see Muir, O. S. Texts, IV. 406—411.
8 One who hi'vngs gifts like thee : SAyana interprets differently : * be our deader against every overpowering (assailant^ Aik© Ui tki^.' — Wilaon.*
ffYMN2X] THE RIOVBDA. 2«
2 So let the draught of joy, thy dear companion, by which, O
Lord of Hays, thou slayest foemen, Delight thee, Indra, Lord of princely treaBiirea.
3 Mark closely, Maghavan, the words I utter, this eulogy
recited by Vasishtha : Accept the prayers I ofier at thy banquet.
4 Hear thou the call of the juice-drinking press-stone : hear thou
the Brahman's hymn who sings and lauds thee. Take to thine inmost self these adorations.
6 I know and ne'er forget the hymus and praises of thee, the Conqueror, and thy strength immortal. Thy name I ever utter, Self-Refulgent 1
6 Among mankind many are thy libations, and many a time the
pious sage invokes thee. O Maghavan, be not long distant from us.
7 All these libations are for thee, 0 Hero : to thee I offer these
my prayers that strengthen. Ever, in every place, must men invoke thee.
8 Never do men attain, 0 Wonder-Worker, thy greatness, Mighty
One, who must be lauded, Nor, Indra, thine heroic power and bounty.
9 Among all Bishis, Indra, old and recent, who have engender-
ed hymns as sacred singers, Even with us be thine auspicious friendships. Ye Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.
HYMN XXIII. Inclra.
Praters have been offered up through love of glory : Vasishtha,
honour Indva in the battle. He who with mi.^ht extends through all existence hears words
which I, his faithful servant, utter.
2 A cry was raised which reached the Gods, 0 Indra, a cry to
them to send us strength in combat. None among men knows his own life's duration : bear us in safety over these our troubles.
3 The Bays, the booty-seeking car I hfimcss : my prayers have
reached him who accepts them gladly.
4 Juice-drinking : that presses out the juice of the platit, and so may be said to drink it. The Scholinst inserts viama. of me : * Hear the invocation of the (grinding) stone (of me) repeatedly drinking (the Soma).' — Wilson.
2 A cry was raised : I follow Pischel's interpretation ot t\iva "^W^ ^vffivfSoXfc gUuusa. See VediscAe /8iu€U€n, 1, pp. 34 — 36.
26 THM HYMNS OP * [BOOK VIL
Indra, when he had slain resistless foemen, forced with his might the two world-halves asunder.
4 Like barren cows, moreover, swelled the waters : the singers sought thy holy rite, 0 Indra. Come unto us as with his team comes V&yu : thou, through our solemn hymns bestowest booty.
6 So may these gladdening draughts rejoice thee, Indra, the Mighty, very bounteous to the singer. Alone among the Gods thou pitiest mortals : 0 Hero, make thee glad at this libation.
6 Thus the Vasishthas glorify with praises Indra the Powerful whose arm wields thunder. Praised, may he guard our wealth in kine and heroes. Ye Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.
HYNM XXI Y. Indra.
A HOME is made for thee to dwell in, Indra : 0 Much invoked,
go thither with the heroes. That thou, to prosper us, mayst be our Helper, vouchsafe us
wealth, rejoice with draughts of Soma.
2 Indra, thy wish, twice-strong, is comprehended : pressed is
the Soma, poured are pleasant juices. This hymn of praise, from loosened tonguCj made perfect, draws Indra to itself with loud invoking.
3 Come, thou Impetuous God, from earth or heaven come to our
holy grass to drink the Soma. Hither to me let thy Bay Horses bring thee to listen to our hymns and make thee joyful.
4 Come unto us with all thine aids, accordant. Lord of Bay
Steeds, accepting our devotions, Fair-helmeted, overcoming with the mighty, and lending us the strength of bulls, 0 Indra.
5 As to the chariot pole a vigorous courser, this laud is brought
to the great strong Upholder. This hymn solicits wealth of thee : in heaven, as 'twere above the sky, set thou our glory.
6 With precious things. 0 Indra, thus content us : may we attain
to thine exalted favour. Send our chiefs plenteous food wi+h hero children. Preserve us evermore, ye Go is, with blessings.
4 Barren cows : which are fatter than others.
1 A home : in the sacrificial chamber. Heroes : or. men ; the priests. 4 ^au'-Zuh/t^ted : or fair-oheckecl, or handsome cUiuaed.
BYMN 26.] THE RIG VEDA, 27
HYMN XXV. Indra.
Whbn with thy mighty help, 0 potent Indra, the armies rush
together in their fury, When from the strong man's arm the lightning flieth , let not
thy mind go forth to side with others.
2 O Indra, where the ground is hard to traverse, smite down
our foes, the mortals who assail us. Keep far from us the curse of the reviler ; hring us accumulat- ed store of treasures.
3 God of the fair helm, give Sudas a hundred succours, a
thousand blessings, and thy bounty. Strike down the weapon of our mortal foeman : bestow upon us splendid fame and riches.
4 I wait the power of one like thee, 0 Indra, gifts of a Helper
such as thou art. Hero. Strong, Mighty God, dwell with me now and ever : Lord of Bay Horses, do not thou desert us.
5 Here are the Kutsas supplicating Indra for might, the Lord
of Bays for God-sent conquest. Make our foes ever easy to be vanquished : may we, victorious, win the spoil, 0 Hero.
6 With precious things, 0 Indra, thus content us : may we
attain to thine exalted favour. Send our chiefs plenteous food with hero children. Preserve
us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN XXVI. Indra.
Soma impressed ne'er gladdened liberal Indra, no juices
pressed without a prayer have pleased him. I generate a laud that shall delight him, new and heroic,
so that he may hear us.
2 At every laud the Soma gladdens Indra : pressed juices please
him as each psalm is chanted, What time the priests with one united effort call him to aid, as sons invoke their father.
3 These deeds he did; let him achieve new exploits, such as the
priests declare at their libations.
The battle has begun, and the siuger prays to Indra for aid.
1 The lightning : the swift and flashing arrow. Others : the enemy.
3 Svdds : according to S4yana, ' the liberal donor (of oblations).' — Wilson,
The Kutsas : apparently tbe priests of the hostile party.
1 Soma wtpressed: cp. VI. 41. 4, Soma when (properly) pressed excels the unpressed (^r ill-pressed) Som», Not only must the ^uicftbft ^\3\^ ^^^\^asR.'i.^ hut it must be expressed and offered with prayer.
^ THE HYMNS OF {BOOR Vtt.
Indra hath taken and possessed all castles, like as one com- mon husband doth his spouses.
4 Even thus have they declared him. Famed is tndra a& Con-
queror, sole distributer of treasures ; Whose many succours come in close succession. May dear delightful benefits attend us.
5 Thus, to bring help to men, Vasishtha laudeth tndra, the
peoples* Hero, at libation. Bestow upon us strength and wealth in thousands. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN XXVII. Indra.
Men call on Indra in the armed encounter that he may make
the hymns they sing decisive. Hero, rejoicing in thy might, in combat give us a portion of
the stall of cattle.
2 Grant, Indra Maghavan, invoked of many, to these my friends
the strength which thou possessest. Thou, Maghavan, hast rent strong places open : unclose for us. Wise €rod, thy hidden bounty.
3 King of the living world, of men, is Indra, of all in varied
form that earth containeth. Thence to the worshipper he giveth riches : may he enrich ua also when we laud him.
4 Maghavan Indra, when we all invoke him, bountiful ever
sendeth strength to aid us : Whose perfect guerdon, never failing, bringeth wealth to the men, to friends the thing they covet.
5 Quick, Indra, give us room and way to riches, and let ua
bring thy mind to grant us treasures. That we may win us cars and steeds and cattle. Preserve us evermore, ye Gk)ds, with blessings.
HYMN XXVIII. Indra.
Comb to our prayers, O Indra, thou who knowest : let thy
Bay Steeds be yoked and guided hither. Thous^h mortal men on every side invoke thee, still give thine
ear to us, 0 All-impeller.
3 All castles : all the strongholds of the demons of drought, tbe cloud-cas- tles in which the rain is imprisoned.
^ (?ipe us aportionj etc : aid us to capture and carry off the cattle of the
HYMN 29.] THE RIQVEDA. 29
2 Thy greatness reacheth to our invocation, the sages' prayer
which, Potent God, thou gnardest. What time thy hand, 0 Mighty, holds the thunder, awful in strength thou hast become resistless.
3 What time thou drewest both world halves together, like
heroes led by thee who call each other — For thou wast bom for strength and high dominion — then e'en the active overthrew the sluggish.
4 Honour us in these present days, 0 Indra, for hostile men are
making wtpiation. Our sin that sinless Varuria discovered, the Wondrous-Wise hath long ago forgiven.
5 We will address this liberal Lord, this Indra, that he may
grant us gifts of ample riches, Best favourer of the singer's prayer and praises. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN XXIX. Indm.
This Soma hath been pressed for thee, O Indra : come hither,
Lord of Bays, for this thou lovest. Drink of this fair, this well effused libation : Maghavan, give
us wealth when we implore thee.
2 Come to us quickly with thy Bay Steeds, Hero, come to our
prayer, accepting our devotion. Enjoy thyself aright at this libatioU; and listen thou unto the prayers we offer.
3 What satisfaction do our hymns afford thee ? When, Magha-
van 1 Now let us do thee service. Hymns, only hymns, with love for thee, I weave thee ; then hear, O Indra, these mine invocations.
2 Thy greatness reacheth to our invocation : thou hast the power to come to our call if thou wilt.
3 Drewetft both world-halves together : settest heaven and earth opposite to each other, like armies arrayed for battle. E*en the active : the meaning of ^he half-line is doubtful, and chit, even, seems to be out of place. Wilson trHUslates, after S^yana : * whence the presenter of offerings overcomes him who offers them not.' According to Professor Grassmann, 'the active' is Indra, »nd * the inaotive * is the sluggish demon. Ludwig suggests an alteration of the text.
4i Are making expiation : or, possibly, set themselves in order, that is, equip and prepare themselves for battle. The Wondrous-Wise : mdyt; Varuna.
8 Now let us do thee service : nUndm ; * no time like the pf eaeut? -— YKxJ^-m^,
30 THE HYMNS OF [BOOR VIL
4 They, verily, were also human beings whom thou wast wont
to hear, those earlier sages. Hence I, 0 Indra Maghavan, invoke thee : thou art our Pro- vidence, even as a Father.
5 We will address this liberal Lord, this Indra, that he may
grant us gifts of ample riches, Best favourer of the singer's prayer and praises. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN XXX. Indra.
With power and strength, 0 Mighty God, approach us ; be
the augmenter, Indra, of these riches ; Strong Thunderer, Lord of men, for potent valour, for manly
exploit and for high dominion.
2 Thee, worth invoking, in the din of battle, heroes invoke in
fray for life and sunlight. Among all people thou art foremost fighter : give up our enemies to easy slaughter.
3 When fair bright days shall dawn on us, 0 Indra, and thou
shalt bring thy banner near in battle, Agni the Asura shall sit as Herald, calling Gods hither for our great good fortune.
4 Tiiine are we, Indra, thine, both these who praise thee, and
those who give rich gifts, 0 God and Hero. Grant to our princes excellent protection : may they wax old and still be strong and happy.
5 We will address this liberal Lord, this Indra, that he may
grant us gifts of ample riches. Best favourer of the singer's prayer and praises. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN XXXI. Indra.
Sing ye a song, to make him glad, to Indra, Lord of Tawny
Steeds, The Soraa-drinker, 0 my friends.
2 To him the Bounteous say the laud, and let us glorify, as men
May do, the Giver of true gifts.
3 O Indra, Lord of boundless might, for us thou winnest strength
and kine, Thou winnest gold for us, Good Lord.
1 For potent valour : that i**, to give us potent valour.
2 ^oremosi JiffACer : caeter of the spear, warrior, «bCcot(3L\w^ to -^oxv ^otVi ; ifut the meaning of s^nyah ia somewhat uncertain.
«
HYMN 32.] THE RIG VEDA, 81
4 Faithful to thee we loudly sing, heroic Indra, songs to thee : Mark, 0 Good Lord, this act of ours.
5 Give us not up to man's reproach, to foeman's hateful calumny : In thee alone is all my strength.
6 Thou art mine ample coat of mail, my Champion, Vritra-slayer,
thou : With thee for Friend I brave the foe.
7 Yea, great art thou whose conquering might two independent
Powers confess, The Heaven, O Indra, and the Earth.
8 So let the voice surround thee, which attends the Maruts on
their way. Reaching thee with the rays of light.
9 Let the ascending drops attain to thee, the Wondrous God, in
heaven : Let all the folk bow down to thee.
10 Bring to the Wise, the Great, who waxeth mighty, your offer-
ings, and make ready your* devotion : To many clans he goeth, man's Controller.
11 For Indra, the sublime, the far-pervading, have singers gener-
ated prayer and praises : The sages never violate his statutes.
12 The choirs have stablished Indra King for ever, for victory,
him whose anger is resistless ; And, for the Bays' Lord, strengthened those he loveth.
HYMN XXXII. Indra.
Let none, no, not thy worshippers, delay thee far away from us. Even from far away come thou unto our feast, or listen if al- ready here.
2 For here, like flies on honey, these who pray to thee sit by the juice that they have poured. Wealth-craving singers have on Indra set their hope, as men set foot upon a car.
7 Independent : svadMvart j 'abounding in food.' — Wilson.
8 l%e voice : *the praises of thine adorers.' — Wilson.
12 Strengthened : * barhay& : for abarhayan, as is clear from what pre- cedes.*— Ludwig. S4yana takes barhayd as the imperative : * urge thy kinsmen, (wonhipper, to glorify) the lord of bay steeds.' — Wilson.
lam indebted to Max 7^ iiUer^a translation of thiah^mn \ti\v\ft Ancxet^ Btuukri^ Ztiet'oture for many oi the renderings which 1 \ia\e acdo^Xi^^i.
S3 THE HYMNS OP [BOOR YIL
3 Longing for wealth I call on him, the Thunderer with the
strong right hand, As a son calleth on his sire.
4 These Soma juices, mixed with curd, have been expressed for
Indra here. Come with thy Bay Steeds, Thunder-wielder, to our home, to drink them till they make thee glad.
5 May he whose ear is open hear us. He is asked for wealth :
will he despise our prayer 1 Him who bestows at once a hundred thousand gifts none shall restrain when he would give.
6 The hero never checked by men hath gained his strength
through Indra, he Who presses out and pours his deep libations forth, O V|itra- slayer, unto thee.
7 When thou dost drive the fighting men together be, thou
Mighty One, the mighty's shield. May we divide the wealth of him whom thou hast slain : bring us, Unreachable, his goods.
8 For Indra, Soma-drinker, armed with thunder, press the Soma
juice. Make ready your dressed meats : cause him to favour us. The Giver blesses him who gives.
9 Grudge not, ye Soma-pourers ; stir you, pay the rites, for
wealth, to the great Conqueror. Only the active conquers, dwells in peace, and thrives : not for the niggard are the Gods.
10 No one hath overturned or stayed the car of him who freely gives. The man whom Indra and the Marut host defend comes to a
stable full of kine.
11 Indra, that man when fighting shall obtain the spoil, whose
strong defender thou wilt be. Be thou the gracious helper. Hero ! of our oars, be thou the helper of our men.
12 His portion is exceeding great like a victorious soldier's spoil. Him who is Indra, Lord of Bays, no foes subdue. He gives
the Soma-pourer strength.
3 W\Jt,h the strong right hand : or, giver of good gifts.
7 The mighty* 8 shield : * the shield of the mighty (VasishthRs).* — M. M. ; * a protection of the Maghavans,' i. e. the institutors of the saclifice. — Ludwig.
8 The Giver blesses him who gives : Indra rewards the liberal worshipper. JO Conies to a stable full of kine : carries off rich booty.
f
BTMN 32.] TBE RIOVEDA. 38
13 Make for the Holy Gods a hymn that is not mean, but well-
arranged and fair of form. Eyen many snares and bonds subdue not him who dwells with Indra through his sacrifice.
14 Indra, what mortal will attack the man who hath his wealth
in thee? The strong will win the spoil on the decisive day through faith in thee, O Maghayan.
15 In battles with the foe urge on our mighty ones who give the
treasures dear to thee, And may we with our princes, Lord of Tawny Steeds ! pass through all peril, led by thee.
16 Thine, Indra, is the lowest wealth, thou cherishest the mid-
most wealth. Thou ever rulest all the highest : in the fray for cattle none resisteth thee.
17 Thou art renowned as giving wealth to every one in all the
battles that are fought. Craving pirotection, all these people of the earth, 0 Much- invoked, implore thy name.
18 If I, 0 Indra, were the Lord of riches ample as thine own,
I should support the singer, God who givest wealth ! and not abandon him to woe.
19 Each day would I enrich the man who sang my praise, in
whatsoever place he were. No kinship is there better, Maghavan, than thine : a father even is no more.
20 With Plenty for his true ally the active man will gain the
spoil. Your Indra, Much-invoked, I bend with song, as bends a Wright his wheel of solid wood.
21 A mortal wins no riches by unworthy praise : wealth comes
not to the niggard churl. Light is the task to give, 0 Maghavan, to one like me on the decisive day.
22 Like kine unmilked we call aloud, Hero, to thee, and sing
thy praise. Looker on heavenly light, Lord of this moving world. Lord, Indra, of what moveth not.
20 J^lenfy .- or, Spirit, Boldness, 3
84 THE HYMNS OP [BOOK VTL
28 None other like to thee, of earth or of the heavens, hath been
or ever will be bom. ' Desiring horses, Indra Maghavan ! and kine, as men of might we call on thee.
24 Bring, Indra, the Victorious Ones; bring, elder thou, the
younger host. For, Maghavan, thou art rich in treasures from of old, and must be called in every fight.
25 Drive thou away our enemies, 0 Maghavan : make riches easy
to be won. Be thou our good Protector in the strife for spoil : Cherisher of our friends be thou.
26 0 Indra, give us wisdom as a sire gives wisdom to his sons. Guide us, 0 Much-invoked, in this our way : may we still live
and look upon the light.
27 Grant that no mighty foes, unknown, malevolent, unhallowed,
tread us to the ground. With thine assistance, Hero, may we pass through all the waters that are rushing down.
HYMN XXXIII. Vasishtha.
Thbsb who wear hair-knots on the right, the movers of holy- thought, white-robed, have won me over.
I warned the men, when from the grass I raised me. Not from afar can my Vasishthas help you.
2 With Soma they brought Indra from a distance, over Vaisanta, from the strong libation. Indra preferred Vasishthas to the Soma pressed by the son of Vayata, Pasadyumna.
524 Bring, Indray the Victorious Ones : these would be the Maruts. * Elder Indra, bring that (wealth to me) being the junior.' — Wilson. ' Bring all this to those who are go<Ki, O Indra, be they old or young.* — M. MUller.
The hymn is a glorification of Yasibhtha and his family, the latter part relating his birth and the earlier verses referring to his connexion with King Sud&s.
1 Hair-knots : kaparda is the ehw^ or single lock of hair left on the head at tonsure, which, according to the Scholiast, it was characteristic of the Vasishthas to wear on the right of the crown of the head. White-robed : white-coloured, according to S&yana. Me : Vasishtha, who is the speaker of stanzas 1 — 6. * Von Roth (under the word av) regaids Indra as the speaker. May it not be Sudas?'— Muir, 0. S, Texts, I. 319, 320, where stanzas 1 —13 are translated. From the grass : the sacred grass laid on the floor of the sacri- £c}m} chnmher,
2 rai'it enia / probably the name of a river. PdsadnumTva ; «Siothfir king who ^ BMcriaoing to Indra &t the same time aa Sud&s.
BYMN 3S.] THE RIG VEDA . $5
3 So, verily, with these he crossed the river, in company with
these he slaughtered Bhcda. So iu the fight with the Ten Kings, Vasishthas ! did ludra help Sudals through your devotions.
4 I gladly, men ! with prayer prayed by our fathers have fired
your axle : ye shall not be injured : Since, when ye sai^g aloud the Sakvari verses, Vasishthas ! ye inyigorated Indra.
5 Like thirsty men they looked to heaven, in battle with the
Ten Kings, svirrounded and imploring. . Then Indra heard Vasishtha as he praised him, and gave the Tritsus ample room and freedom.
6 Like sticks and staves wherewith they drive the cattle, strip- .
ped bare, the Bharatas were found defenceless : Vasishtha then became their chief and leader: then widely were the Tritsus' clans extended.
7 Three fertilize the worlds with genial moisture : three noble
Creatures cast a light before them. Three that give warmth to all attend the Morning. All these have they discovered, these Vasishthas.
8 Like the Sun's growing glory is their splendour, and like the
sea's is their unfathomed greatness. Their course is like the wind's. Your laud, Vasishthas, can never be attained by any other.
9 They with perbeptions of the heai*t in secret resort to that
which spreads a thousand branches. The Apsaras brought hither the Vasishthas wearing the vesture spun for them by Yama.
8 The river : Yamun^. See VII. 1 8. 19. Ten Kingt : of the confederate tribeci who opposed Sud&4. See VII. 18.
4 Sakvari veraes : hymns of praise in the Sakvart metre (14 x 4).
6 Trit$tt8 : the tribe of which Sudfts was King. Bharataa : apparently tlie same as'the Tritsus.
7 Indra is the speaker of the rest of the hymn. * In explanation of this, SAyana quotes a passage from the Silty&yana Bi-fthmana : (1 ) Agni prrxluces a fertilizing fluid on the earth, VAyu in the air, the Sun^in the sky. (2) The * three noble creatures' are the Vasus, Rudras, and Adityas. The Sun is their light. (3) Agni, VAyu, and the Sun each attend the Dawn.'— Muir, O. A TexU, 1. 920.
9 That which spreads a thousand branches : according to Ludwig's Trans- lation, the Sun-Gkni is meant ; according to his later view, the reference is to the mystio tree sustained by Varuna in the baseless region (I. 24. 7). The vesture : the body. The stanza is very obscure, and S^ya^ii^'** ex.^VKft».- ■tion. which overrides ^Tammar* w not satisfactory: *By tYie Vi^doTO-^^^Xft^ViSL the heart the VasisAikas trn verse the hidden thouaMid-\>Yat\c\iftd -wcvrVA., ^Tvdk
the J/>taratas »U down, weariug the vesture spread outr\>7 XamaJ — ^i2ia»^»
36 THE HYMNS OP [BOOK VIL
10 A form of lustre springing from the lightning wast thou, when
Varuna and Mitra saw thee. Thy one and only birth was then, Vasishtha, when from thy stock Agastya brought thee hither.
11 Bom of their love for Urvas^, Vasishtha, thou, priest, art son
of Varuna and Mitra ; And as a fallen drop, in heavenly fervour, all the Gods laid thee on a lotus-blossom.
12 He, thinker, knower both of earth and heaven, endowed with
many a gift, bestowing thousands. Destined to wear the vesture spun by Yama, sprang from the Apsaras to life, Vasishtha.
13 Born at the sacrifice, urged by adorations, both with a com-
mon flow bedewed the pitcher. Then from the midst thereof there rose up Mana, and thenoe they say was bora the sage Vasishtha.
14 He brings the bearer of the laud and Saman : first shall he
speak bringing the stone for pressing. With grateful hearts in reverence approach him : to you, O Pratridas, Vasishtha cometh.
HYMN XXXIV. Visvedevas,
May our divine and brilliant hymn go forth, like a swift chariot wrought and fashioned well.
2 The waters listen as they flow along : they know the origin of heaven and earth.
10 Vasishtha appears here as an embodiment of lightning, light, or fire, and to have been brought down to men by Agastya who was bom in the same way as Vasishtha.
1 1 Urvast ; the most celebrated of the Apsarases or nymphs of heaven On a lotus-ido88om : or, according to others, ' in the sacred pitcher,' or water-jar used iu sacrifice. ' In the lake.'— Wilson.
For a full account of this production of Vasishtha, the curious reader is referred to Muir, 0. S. Texts, I. 321. See M. Muller, ChipSj IV. 108, 109, and Hillebraudt, Varuaa und Mitra, 148, 149.
12 7%€ Apsaras : UrvasJ.
1 3 Mdna : said to be another name of Agastya.
14 The bearei' of the laud and Siman : the pressing-stone, which was worked during the recitation of sacred verses. Pratridas : a name used here to designate the Ti itsus.
This difficult and obscure hymn has been translated and thoroughly dis- cussed by Qeldner {VediscJie Studien, II. pp. 129—156, criticized by Prof, Ludwig, Ueber die neuesten Arbeiten auf dem Oebiete der Rgveda-forachuna pp. 163— 167). ' ^
2,'fAn .Hllusionf perhaps, to the subsequently Teceived ^io^vftog^ou'j', as in -^^/fu, that water was the first of created thing»:— WviBoii,
BY MS 84.] TBE RIG VEDA. 87
3 Yea» the broad waters swell their flood fot him : of him strong
heroes think amid their foes*
4 Set ye fdr hinl the couiSseiSs to the pole : like Indra Thundere)r
is the Grolden-armed.
5 Arouse you, like the days, to saorifice : speed gladly like a
travelleif on ihe way.
6 Gro swift to battles, to the saorifio^ : set up a flag, a heto for
the- folk.
7 Up from hid strettgth hath risen as 'twere a light : it bears
the load as earth bears living things.
8 Agni, no demon I invoke the Gods : by law completing it, I
form a hymn,
9 Closely about you lay yout heavenly song, and send youlr
voice to where the Gods abide.
20 Yaruna, Mighty, with a thousand eyes, beholds the paths wherein these rivers fUn.
11 He, King of kings, the glory of the floods, o'er all that liveth
hath resistless sway.
12 May he assist us among all the tribes, and make the envier's
praise devoid of light.
13 May the foes' threatening arrow pass us by : may he put far
from us our bodies' sin.
14 Agni, oblation-eater, through our prayers aid us : to him our
dearest laud is brought.
15 Accordant with the Gods choose for our Friend the Waters'
Child : may he be good to us.
16 With lauds I sing the Dragon born of floods : he sits beneath
the streams in middle air.
17 Ne'er may the Dragon of the Deep harm us : ne'er fail this
&ithful servant's sacrifice.
18 To theoe our heroes may they grant renown : may pious men
march boldly on to wealth.
19 Leading great hosts, with fierce attacks of these, they burn
their foes as the Sun burns the earth.
3 For him : Indra.
4 The Oolden-aitned : Savitar.
6 A hero : a sort of ^rsouificittion of the sacrifice. ' An expiatory sacrifice for (the good of) mankind.' — Wilson.
16 The Dragon bom of Jloods : Ahibudhnya, or the Dragon of the Deep of the following staqza ; the r^ent of the sea of air. 18 They / the Ooda.
19 O/iAese: Qoda, orMaruta, according to the ScVioWaat.
I.J
^S TffE ITYMXS OF [BOOK T/J
20 What time our' wives draw near to us, may he, deft-handec
Tvashtar, give us hero sons.
21 May Tvashtar find our hymn acceptable, and may Aramati
seeking wealth, be ours.
22 May they who lavish gifts bestow those treasures : ma]
Rodasi and Varun^ni listen. May he, with the VarCitrta, be our refuge, may bountiful Tvashtar give us store of riches.
23 So may rich Mountains and the liberal Waters, so may id!
Herbs that grow on ground, and Heaven, And Earth accordant with the Forest-Sovrans, and both i,h World-halves round about protect us.
24 To this may both the wide Worlds lend approval, and Varu^j
in heaven, whose Friend is Indra. May all the Maruts give consent, the Victors, that we ma; hold great wealth in firm possession.
25 May Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Agni, Waters, Herbs, Tree
accept the praise we offer. May we find refuge in the Maruts' bosom. Protect us evei
more, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN XXXV. Viflvedevai
Befriend us with their aids Indra and Agni, Indra an<
Varuna who receive oblations ! Indra and Soma give health, strength and comfort, Indr
and Pushan be our help in .battle.
2 Auspicious Friends to us be Bhaga, Sansa, auspicious b
Purandhi and all Riches ; The blessing of the true and well-conducted, and Aryaman i many forms apparent.
3 Kind unto us be Maker and Sustainer, and the far-reachiD;
Pair with Godlike natures. Auspicious unto us be Earth and Heaven, the Mountain, an^ the Gods' fair invocations.
21 Ararnati : the Genius of Devotion and active piety.
22 Vai^trU : protecting Goddesses.
23 Forest'SovraiM : tall timber trees.
1 Befriend us : sdm no bhavatdm. The indeclinable word fdm, signify! n happy, auspicious, pleasant, sweet, kind, agreeable, etc., etc., is ti^ed with ( without the verb bhUf in the first thirteen stanzas. I have varied the expre sion here and there. ^ S^nsa: Prayer or Wish personified. Or it miy be Narftsansa, Ago ^arandAi: Plenty , or Spirit, Boldness personi&ed. S J^UrreacMnff Pair : Heaven and Earth.
SYMN 86.] T£tE RIGVEDA. 89
4 Favour us Agni with his face of splendour, and Yaruna and
Mitra and the Asvins. Favour us noble actions of the pious, impetuous Y&ta blow on us with favour.
5 Early invoked, may Heaven and Earth be friendly, and Air's
mid-region good for us to look on. To us may Herbs and Forest-Trees be gracious, gracious the Lord Victorious of the region.
6 Be the Grod Indra with the Vasus friendly, and, with Adityas,
Varuna who blesseth. Kind, with the Rudras, be the Healer Eudra, and, with the Dames, may Tvashtar kindly listen.
7 Blest unto us be Soma, and devotions, blest be the Sacrifice,
the Stones for pressing. Blest be the fixing of the sacred Pillars, blest be the tender Grass, and blest the Altar.
8 May the far-seeing Sun rise up to bless us : be the four
Quarters of the sky auspicious. Auspicious be the firmly-seated Mountains, auspicious be the Rivers and the Waters.
9 May Aditi through holy works be gracious, and may the
Maruts, loud in song, be friendly. May Vishnu give felicity, and Pushan, the Air that cherisheth our life, and Vayu.
10 Prosper us Savitar, the Grod who rescues, and let the radiant
Mornings be propitious. Auspicious to all creatures be Parjanya, auspicious be the field's benign Protector.
11 May all the fellowship of Gods befriend us, Sarasvatt, with
Holy Thoughts, be gracious. Friendly be they, the Liberal Ones who seek us, yea, those who dwell in heaven, on earth, in waters.
12 May the great Lords of Truth protect and aid us : blest to us
be our horses and our cattle. Kind be the pious skilful-handed Ribhus, kind be the Fathers at our invocations.
13 May Aja-Ekapad, the God, be gracious, gracious the Dragon
of the Deep, and Ocean.
5 The Lord Victorious : Indra.
10 The field' 8 benign Protector : Agni, or ^ndra. See IV. 67. 1.
13 Aja-Ekapdd :. the Sun. See VI. 50. 14, and footnote.
TAe Drajon of Che Deep : Ahibudhnya, regent oi \,\ie d^v^Xi-a ol HJci^ ^rfifiJk- ment.
ASP THE BYMNS OF [BOOK VI L
Gracious be he, the swelling Child of Waters, gracious be Prisni who hath Gods to guard her.
1 4 So may the Rudras, Vasus, and K dityas accept the new hymn
which we now are making. May all the Holy Ones of earth and heaven, and the Cow's offspring hear our invocation,
15 They who of Holy Gk)ds are very holy. Immortal, knowing
Law, whom man must worship, — May these to-day give us broad paths to travel. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN XXXVI. Visvedevas.
Let the prayer issue from the seat of Order, for Surya with
his beams hath loosed the cattle. With lofty ridges earth is far extended, and Agni's flame hath
lit the spacious surface.
2 0 Asuras, O Varuiia and Mitra, this hymn to you, like food, anew I offer. One of you is a strong unerring Leader, and Mitra, speaking, stirreth men to labour.
. 3 The movements of the gliding wind come hither : like cows, the springs are filled to overflowing. Born in the station e'en of lofty heaven the Bull hath loudly bellowed in this region.
4 May I bring hither with my song. O Indra, wise Aryaman who yokes thy dear Bay Horses,
14 Cow* 8 offspring : the Maruts. According to von Roth those who are bom and live in radiant heaven.
15 Broad paths to travel : perhaps, generally, an easy road to prosperity.
1 The seat of Order : * the hall of the sacrifice.' — Wilson. The cattle : rays of light.
2 * One of you (Varuna) is the lord and unassailable guide, and he who is called Mitra, {i. e. the friend) calls men to activity. Hera so much at least is declared (and the same thing is expressed in nearly the same words in other places), that the light of day, which awakens life, and brings joy and activity into the world, is the narrower sphere of Mitra's power ; though, however, Varuna is not relegated to the night alone, for he continues to be the lord and the first.'— -Von Roth, quoted by Muir, 0. S. Text», V. 70. The meaning of imdh translated by * lord * in this extract, is, in the Veda, rather ' strong,* ' energetic,' and is so given in the St. Petersburg Lexicon, the meaning * lord ' belonging to later literature. The second half of the second line is repeated, with a variation, from III. 59. 1.
S rAesprinffs: the fountains of rain; the clouds. The Bull: Parjanya, ^M of the rain-cloud. This region : literally, tUia uOid^i *, \\i<6 ^\aa.m«fc\it.
HYMN 87.] TEE RIOVEDA. 41
Voracious, with thy noble car, 0 Hero, him who defeats the wrath of the malicious.
5 In their own place of sacrifice adorers worship to gain long
life and win his friendship. He hath poured food on men when they have praised him ; be this, the dearest reverence, paid to Rudra«
6 Coming together, glorious, loudly roaring — Sarasvati, Mother
of Floods, the seventh — With copious milk, with fair streams, strongly flowing, full swelling with the volume of their water ;
7 And may the mighty Maruts, too, rejoicing, aid our devotion
and protect our offspring. Let ndt swift-rooving Akshard. neglect us : they have increas- ed our own appropriate riches.
8 Bring ye the great Aramati before you, and Pushan as the
Hero of the synod, Bhaga who looks upon this hymn with favour, and, as our strength, the bountiful Purandhi.
9 May this our song of praise reach you, O Maruts, and Vishnu
guardian of the future infant. May they vouchsafe the singer strength for offspring. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN XXXVII. Visvedevaa.
Lbt your best-bearing car that must be lauded, ne*er injured,
bring you Vajas and Hibhukshans. Fill you, fair-helm eted ! with mighty Soma, thrice-mixed, at
our libations, to delight you.
4 Vorctcious : epithet of horses ; but the meaning of dfidytt is uncertain. Acocn-ding to S&yana, it means * holding/ ' vigorous ;' according to Ludwig, 'pouring forth nun ;* according to Grassmann, * thirsty/
5 Bis friendship : Budra's.
6 The seventh : with the six other celebrated rivers. See I. 32. 12.
7 Atshard : VAk, or Voice ; * the imperishable goddess of speech.' — Wilson. Cf. VII. 15. 9.
8 Aramati : the personification of religious worship, or active piety. See VII. 84. 21. According to S&yana, ardmatim here is an epithet of maAfm, * the never-resting Earth.' For the various meanings assigned by S&yana to this word in the various places in which it occurs, see Muir, 0. S, texts, IV. 817. t 7 9
i Vishnu : cf. X. 184. 1.
1 Vdjas and Ribhukshans : that is, Ilibhukshan or Ribhu, Vibhvan, and VAja, commonly called the Ribhus from the name of the first of the three. Fair-kelmeted : * handsome'-chiDned.'— Wilson ; ' * StronR-\vw^' — \mA.^\%. Tkrice-rnksed: with milk, curds, and meal.
42 THE HYMNS OP [BOOR VtL
2 Ye who behold the light of heaven, Hibhukshans, give our rich
patrons unmolested riches. Drink, heavenly-natured, at our sacrifices, and give us bouat- ies for the hymns we sing you.
3 For thou, 0 Bounteous One, art used to giving, at parting
treasure whether small or ample. Filled full are both thine arms with great possessions : thy goodness keeps thee not from granting riches.
4 Indra, high-famed, as V^ja and Ribhukshan, thou goest work-
ing, singing to the dwelling. Lord of Bay Steeds, this day may we Vasishthas oflfer our prayers to thee and bring oblations.
5 Thou winnest swift advancement for thy servant, through
hymns. Lord of Bay Steeds, which thou hast favoured. For thee with friendly succour have we battled, and when, O Indra, wilt thou grant us riches ?
6 To us thy priests a home, as 'twere, thou givest : when, Indra,
wilt thou recognize our praises % May thy strong Steed, through our ancestral worship, bring food and wealth with heroes to our dwelling.
7 Though Nirriti the Goddess reigneth round him. Autumns
with food in plenty come to Indra. With three close Friends to length of days he cometh, he whom men let not rest at home in quiet.
8 Promise us gifts, 0 Savitar : may riches come unto us in
Parvata's full bounty. May the Celestial Guardian still attend us. Preserve us ever- more, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN XXXVIII. Savitar.
On high hath Savitar, this God, extended the golden lustre
which he spreads around him. Now, now must Bhaga be invoked by mortals. Lord of great
riches who distributes treasures.
3 Bouvteous One : Maghavan ; Indra.
4 Woi'king : * the fulfiller ( of wishes ).'— Wilson. The first line is somewhat obscure.
7 Nirriti : the Goddess of Death and Destruction, who has no power over Indra. Three close Friends : the Ribhus, who represent the year, the annual course of Indra as the Sun. S&yaua's explanation is different : * Indra, the upliolder of the three regions, whom the divine Nirriti acknowledges as ruler, whom abundant years ))ass over, whom mortals detain from his own abodo^ approaches to ( recruit ) his decaying strength.' — Wilson ; who observes : * the explanation is not very clea^.*
^ -Parvata's full bowUij : the Genius of movintaiu wid c\o\i^.
BTMN Sa] TffE RIG VEDA, 43
2 Rise up, 0 Savitar whose hands are golden, and hear this man while sacrifice is offered. Spreading afar thy broad and wide effulgence, and bringing mortal men the food that feeds them.
8 Let Savitar the God be hymned with praises, to whom the Vasus, even, all sing glory. Sweet be our lauds to him whose due is worship : may he with all protection guard our princes.
4 £ven he whom Aditi the Goddess praises, rejoicing in God
Savitar's incitement : Even he whose praise tlie high imperial Rulers, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, sing in concert.
5 They who come emulous to our oblation, dispensing bounty,
from the earth and heaven. May they and Ahibudhnya hear our calling : guard us Yar&tri with the Ekadhenus.
6 This may the Jliord of Life, entreated, grant us, — the wealth
which Savitar the God possesses. The mighty calls on Bhaga for protection, on Bhaga calls the weak to give him riches.
7 Bless us the Vajins when we call, while slowly they move,
strong Singers, to the Gods' assembly. Crushing the wolf, the serpent, and the demons, may they completely banish all affliction.
8 Deep-skilled in Law eternal, deathless, Singers, 0 Vfijins, help
us in each fray for booty. Drink of this meath, be satisfied, be joyful : then go on paths which Gods are wont to travel.
HYMN XXXIX. Viavedevaa.
Agni, erect, hath shown enriching favour : the flame goes for- ward to the Gods' assembly.
Like car-borne men the stones their path have chosen : let the priest, quickened, celebrate our worship.
S The Vcuus : the Gods in general, according to S&yana.
5 VariUri: *the protectress (the goddess of speech).' — Wilson. Fkadhenut : the Waters are probably meant : * excellent cattle.* — Wilson.
7 Vdjins : a class of divinities so named, according to S&yana ; but, accord- ing to Mahtdhara. horses, i. e. the teams which draw the chariots of the Gods. The wolf, or the robber. The serpent : or the assassin. The demons : the lUkshasas. See Satapatha- Brdhmana, V. 1. 5. 21—24, (S. Books of the East, XLI. 27; for a different version of stanzas 6 and 7.
J TAg8Um€s: the presaing stones have begun tl;xeir course
44 TBE HtMNS OP . [BOOR VII.
2 Soft to the tread, their sacred grass is scattered ; these go like
Kings amid the band around them, At the folk's early call on Ni^ht and Morning, — Vayilj and Pudh^H with his t^ani) to blesd Us.
3 Here on their path the nobld Gods proceeded : in the wide
firmament the Beauteous decked them. Bend your way hither, ye who travel widely : hear this our envoy who hath gone to meet you.
4 For they are holy aids at sacrifices : all (jrods approach the
place of congregation. Bring these, desirous, to our worship, Agni, swift the Nslaa* tyas, Bhaga, and Purandhi.
5 Agni, to these men's hymns, from earth, from heaven, bring
Mitra, Varuna, Indra, and Agni, And Aryaman, and Aditi, and Vishnu. Sarasvatl be joyful, and the Maruts.
6 Even as the holy wish, the gift is ofltered : may he, unsated,
come when men desire him. Give never-failing ever-conquering riches : with Gods for our allies may we be victors.
7 Now have both Worlds been praised by the Vasishthas, and
holy Mitra, Varuna, and Agni. May they, bright Deities, make our song supremest. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN XL. Viavedevaa.
Be gathered all the audience of the synod : let us begin their
praise whose course is rapid. Whatever God Savitar this day produces, may we be where
the Wealthy One distributes.
2 This, dealt from heaven, may both the Worlds vouchsafe us,
and Varuna, Indra, Aryaman, and Mitra. May Goddess Aditi assign us riches, Vslyu and Bhaga make them ours for ever.
3 Strong be the man and full of power, 0 Maruts, whom ye^
borne on by spotted coursers, favour,
2 These go like Kings : according to SAyana, ' may the two lords of people (V&yu and Piishan) .... appear now.*
3 Our envoy : Agni.
5 Agni : in his own form as a celestial God, not in that of terrestrial fire.
6 He, unsated: Agni.
/ I%eir praise: praiae of the Gods. ^ MeaUJrom heaven : or^ distributed by Dyu ox Dy w».
H7MN 41.] THE RIQVEDA. 45
Him, too, Sarasvatt and Agni further, and there is none to rob him of his riches.
4 This Varuna is guide of Law, he, Mitra, and Aryaman, the
Kings, our work have finished. Divine and foeless Aditi quickly listens. May these deliver us unharmed from trouble.
5 With oflPerings I propitiate the branches of this swift-moving
God, the bounteous Vibhnu. Hence Rudra gained his Ru'dm-strength : 0 Asvins, ye sought the house that hath celestial viands.
6 Be not thou angry here, 0 glowing Pushan, for what Varutri
and the Bounteous gave us. May the swift-moving Gods protect and bless us, and V&ta send us rain, who wanders round u&
7 Now have both worlds been praised by the Vasishthas, and holy
Mitra, Varuna, and Agni. May they, bright Deities, make our song supremest. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings. -
HYMN XLI. Bhaga.
AoNi at dawn, and Indra we invoke at dawn, and Varuna and
Mitra, and the Asvins twain : Bhaga at dawn, Pushan, and Brahmanaspati, Soma at dawn,
Rudra we will invoke at dawn.
2 We will invoke strong, early-conquering Bhaga, the Son of
Aditi, the great supporter : Thinking of whom, the poor, yea, even the mighty, even the King himself says, Give me Bhaga.
3 Bhaga our guide, Bhaga whose gifts are faithful, favour this
song, and give us wealth, 0 Bhaga. Bhaga, augment our store of kine and horses, Bhaga, may wo be rich in men and heroes.
■ ■ — . - - - .- Lllll IJI I ^__^^^^— ^^_
4 Our work : the sacrifice.
5 The branches : * vayah, branches : all other deities are, ar it were, branches of Vishnu, anye devah, sakha iva bhavanti : as by a text cited by the scholiast, Vishnu is all divinities, Vishnuh sarvd devatd iti sruteh.' — Wilson. This, Ludwig remarks, gives no satisfactory interpretation ; but I am unable to offer any thing better at present. Grassmaun alters vaydk into vaydma : * w« with our offerings approach the banquet of this swift-moving God, the boun- teous Vish.u ; i. e. come to offer him sacrificial food.'
The bymn is addressed chiefly to Bhaga the bountiful, whose name, slightly corrupted, survives in the Slavonic languages as a general name for God ; but the Gods mentioned in stanza 1, anrl Ushas, Dmwu or Movumg, dxe ^^Q x^^^x^* ed as the deities of the verses in wliich their names occur. ^ ^«f «?^ ^Aa^a : or n'chea.
THE BYMS'S OP [BOOK Vtl
4 So may felicity be oars at present, and when the day approachesi
and at noontide ; And may we still, 0 Bounteous One, at sunset be happy in the Deities* loving-kindness.
5 May Bhaga verily be bliss-bestower, and through him, Gods I
may happiness attend us. As such, 0 Bhaga, all with might invoke thee ; as such be thou our Champion here, 0 Bhaga.
6 To this our worship may all Dawns incline them, and come to
the pure place like DadhikrHvan. As strong steeds draw a chariot may they bring us hitherward Bhaga who discovers treasure.
7 May blessM Mornings dawn on us for ever, with wealth of
kine, of horses, and of heroes. Streaming with all abundance, pouring fatness. Preserve ufl evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN XLII. Visvedevas.
m
Lbt Brahmans and Angirases come forward, and let the roar
of cloudy heaven surround us. Loud low the Milch-kine swimming in the waters : set be the
stones that grace our holy service.
2 Fair, Agni, is thy long-known path to travel : yoke for the
juice thy bay, thy ruddy horses, Or red steeds, Hero-bearing, for the chamber. Seated, I call the Deities' generations.
3 They glorify your sacrifice with worship, yet the glad Priest
near them is left unequalled. Bring the Gods hither, thou of many aspects : turn hither- ward Aramati the Holy.
6 The pure place : the chamber of sacrifice. Like Dadkikrdvan : swift as Dadhikr&van, the famous horse, the type and model of racers. See IV. 89. 8; 40. 1—3.
1 Angirases: Ilishis so named, accordinor to Sdyana. The Milch-hine : the clouds in the watery firmament, with allusion also to the milk and water mixed with the Soma juice. The atones : the press^stones. SA,yana's explanation is different : * may the pious couple, (the Yajamdna and his wife) conjointly appreciate the beauty of the sacrifice.' — Wilson.
2 7%y hay, thy ruddy horses : or the Harits and the Rohits. Red steeds : or Arushas. He^'O-bearing : carrying the Hero Agni. For the chamber: the aacrificial hall ; ' in thy stable.'— M. Miiller.
S The human prieata cannot equal Agni in efficiency. Aramati : the Geniut or nevotiou. See VII. 36. 8.
HYMN 48.] THE RIO VEDA. 47
4 What time the Guest hath made himself apparent, at ease
reclining in the rich man's dwelling,
Agni, veil-pleased, well-placed within the chamber gives to a house like this wealth worth the choosing.
5 Accept this sacrifice of ours, 0 Agni ; glorify it with Indra
and the Maruts.
Here on our grass let Night and Dawn be seated : bring long- ing Yaruna and Mitra hither.
6 Thus hath Vasishtha praised victorious Agni, yearning for
wealth that giveth all subsistence.
May he bestow on us food, strength, and riches. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN XLIII. Visvedevas.
SiNO out the pious at your sacrifices to move with adorations
Earth and Heaven — The Holy Singers, whose unmatched devotions, like a tree's
branches, part in all directions.
2 Let sacrifice proceed like some fleet courser : with one accord
lift ye on high the ladles. Strew sacred grass meet for the solemn service : bright flames that love the Gods have mounted upward.
3 Like babes in arms reposing on their mother, let the Gods sit
upon the grass's summit. Let general tire make bright the flame of worship : scorn us not, Agni, in the Gods' assembly.
4 Gladly the Oods have let themselves be honoured, milking
the copious streams of holy Order. The highest might to-day is yours, the Yasus' : come ye, as many as ye are, one-minded.
5 So, Agni, send us wealth among the people : may we be
closely knit to thee, O Yictor, Unharmed, and rich, and taking joy together. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, w^ith blessings.
4 The Quest : Agni.
8 Let general fire : or, according to S&yana, 'Let the full ladle balm the fire of worship.' The exact meaning is uncertain as both subject and object adjectives without substantiyes.
4 MifHnp the eophus streams : enjoying tho libations oi IftiW-otO^SAXi^ «aLa\v Aee. 'Who are the bestowers of water, t£e ahedders oi sYioYiexa' — ^V\&o^»
48 THE HYMNS OP [BOOK VIL
HYMN XLIV. Dadhikrfts.
I CALL on Dadhikras, the first, to give you aid, the Asvins,
Bhaga, Dawn, and Agni kindled well, Indra, ftnd Vishnu, Pashan, Brahmanaspati, Adityas, Heaven
and Earth, the Waters, and the Light.
2 When, rising, to the sacrifice we hasten, awaking DadhikdLs
with adoiations, Seating on sacred grass the Goddess I1&, let us invoke the sage swift-hearing Asvins.
3 Wliile I am thus arousing Dadhikravan I speak to Agni,
Earth, and Dawn, and Surya, The red, the brown of Varuna ever mindful : may they ward off from us all grief and trouble.
4 Foremost is Dadhikravan, vigorous courser ; in forefront of
the cars, his way he knoweth, Closely allied with Surya and with Morning, Adityas, and Angirases, and Vasus.
5 May Dadhikras prepare the way we travel that we may pass
along the path of Order. May Agni hear us, and the Heavenly Army: hear us all Mighty Ones whom none deceiveth.
HYMN XLV. Savitar.
May the God Savitar, rich in goodly treasures, filling the
region, borne by steeds, come hither, In his hand holding much that makes men happy, lulling to
slumber and arotising creatures.
2 Golden, sublime, and easy in their motion, his arms extend unto the bounds of heaven.
1 Dadhikrda : see. IV. 38. 1.
3 Dadkihrdoan : a lengthened form of Dadhikr&s. See IV. 39. 2, and 40. The redf the brovm : apparently the horse of Varuna, that U. the Sun, i<s in- tended. Ever mindful : * who is mindful of his adorers.*— Wilson. The mean-
ng of the word mahgchatdh, or mdhschatdh, is uncertain. Von Roth thinks that a colour, dun or yellow, is meant. Ludwig would explain it as * knotting snares or nooses.' Grassmann translates it by, *des Mondverscheuchers,' * who scares away the Moon.'
4 In forefront of the cars : according to S&yana, the chariots of the Ghds are intended. But, as Pischel observes {Vedisohe Studien, I. 124), Dadhik- rAvan, the famous race-horse, was for * the gentlemen of the turf ' in King Trasadasyu's time what the matchless English horse Eclipse was in recent days. It seems probable that Dahhikr&van may have been originally only a moat distinguished racer, glorified and deified by the exaggerated praised of
lAe bards of a people who were passionately iond oi c^aadoVTraftm^.
BYMN 46 ] THE RIG VEDA, 49
Now shall tbat mightiness of his be lauded : even Sdra yields to him in active vigour.
3 May this God Savitar, the Strong and Mighty, the Lord of
precious wealth, vouchsafe us treasures. May he, advancing his far-spreading lustre, bestow on us the food that feedeth mortals.
4 These songs praise Savitar whose tongue is pleasant, praise
him whose arms are full, whose hands are lovely. High vital strength, and manifold, may he grant us. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN XLVL Rudra.>^
To Rudra bring these songs, whose bow is firm and strong, the self-dependent God with swiftly-flying shafts,
The Wise, the Conqueror whom none may overcome, armed with sharp-pointed weapons : may he hear our call.
2 He through his lordship thinks on beings of the earth, on
heavenly beings through his high imperial sway. Come willingly to our doors that gladly welcome thee, and heal all sickness, Rudra, in our families.
3 May thy bright arrow which, shot down by thee from heaven,
flieth upon the earth, pass us uninjured by. Thou, very gracious God, hast thousand medicines : inflict no evil on our sons or progeny.
"4 Slay us not, nor abandon us, 0 Rudra : let not thy noose, when thou art angry, seize us. Give us trimmed grass and fame among the living. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
2 Sii/ra : the Sun as distinguiBhed from, or a different form of, Savitar who is said by SAya^a to be the Sun before his rising.
8 Very gfraeiout Ood : svapivdta. 'This word is not explained in the printed text of S&yana, although in the " Varietaa Lectionis," appended to ^s preface, Prof . M,uller notes that in one MS., B. 4, tvapivdta is rendered hjjUapr&na, *'he by whom life (or breath) is conquered." In the Nirukta, X. 7. it is explained by tvdpta-vachanaf " thou whose words are very suitable or authoritative."' — Muir, 0. S, TextSy IV, 314, where an exhaustive note on the word will be found. Wilson renders svapivdta by * wind-appeaser,' and Grassmann by ' vielbegehrter,' * much-desired.'
- 4 Gitfe ui trimmed grata : let us share in sacri^ce. Fame among the living: tlie St. Petersburg Lexicon takes jtvaaansi to mean rule over the living. Others take the word as qualifying barhiithi, trimmed grass, i. e. sacrifice, and signifying * desired by the living,* * to be praised among men,' * T^xomVam^^QTv^ life.' See Vedie Hymns, Part L p. 4S9, 4
50 THE HYMNS OP [BOOK VII.
HYMN XLVII. Water-.
May we obtain this day from you, O Waters, that wave of
pare refreshment, which the pious Made erst the special beverage of Indra, bright, stainless, rich
in sweets and dropping fatness.
2 May the Floods' Offspring, he whose course is rapid, protect
that wave most rich in sweets, O Waters, That shall make Indra and the Vasus joyful. This may we gain from you to-day, we pious.
3 All-purifying, joying in their nature, to paths of Gods the
Goddesses move onward. They never violate the laws of Indra. Present the oil-rich offering to the Rivers.
4 Whom Sdrya with his bright beams hath attracted, and Indra
dug the path for them to travel. May these Streams give us ample room and freedom. Pre- serve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN XLVIII. RibhuB.
Ye liberal Heroes, Ydjas and Bibhukshans, come and delight you with our flowing Soma.
May your strength, Vibhus, as ye come to meet us, turn hither- ward your car that brings men profit.
2 May we as Ribhu with your Ribhus conquer strength with our
strength, as Vibhus with the Vibhus. May Vaja aid us in the fight for booty, and helped by Indra may we quell the foeman.
3 For they rule many tribes with high dominion, and conquer
all their foes in close encounter. May Indra, Vibhvan, Vaja, and Ribhukshan destroy by turns the wicked foeman*s valour.
4 Now, Deities, give us ample room and freedom : be all of you,
one-minded, our protection. So let the Vasus grant us strength and vigour. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
1 Wave of pure refreshment : * sweet essence of the earth ; * Urmi is said here to imply the Soma juice produced from the earth.* — Wilson.
.3 All-purifying : satdpavitrdh ; literally, with a hundred, that is, countless, means of purification. The Goddesses : the divine Waters.
1 Vdjas and Ribhukshans : ye three, Ribhu, Vibhvan, and V&ja.
2 The meaning is, may we be as powerful as Ribhu, as mighty as the com- pany of the Vibhus (another name of the Bibhus). Sdyana explains rihh'A as great, and vibhvah as powerful. In the fight for booty : v&jasdtau / a play on the word and name v^ja»
4 7%e Fasus: according to Sdyana, vdsavah here is an epithet of Ribhdva^ understood ;' the exalted (nihhvLB):'---W\\&o\i',
MtMN 50.1 '^BS niGVEDA, 51
HYMN XLIX. Watew.
Forth from the middle of the flood the Waters — their chief the Sea — flow cleansing, never sleeping. Indra, the Bull, the Thunderer, dug their channels : here let those Waters, Goddesses, protect me.
2 Waters which come from heaven, or those that wander dug
from the earth, or flowing free by nature. Bright, purifying, speeding to the Ocean, here let those Waters, Goddesses, protect me.
3 Those amid whom goes Varuna the Sovran, he who discri-
minates men's truth and falsehood — Distilling meath, the bright, the purifying, here let those Waters, Goddesses, protect me.
4 They from whom Varuna the King, and Soma, and all the
Deities drink strength and vigour, They into whom Yaisvanara Agni entered, here let those Waters, Croddesses, protect me.
HYMN L, Various Deities.
0 Mitra-Varusta, guard and protect me here : let not that come to me which nests within and swells.
1 drive afar the scorpion hateful to the sight : let not the
winding worm touch me and wound my foot.
2 Eruption that appears upon the twofold joints, and that
which overspreads the ancles and the knees, May the refulgent Agni banish far away : let not the winding worm touch mo and wound my foot.
3 The poison that is formed upon the Salmali, that which is
found in streams, that which the plants produce, All this may all the Gods banish and drive away : let not the winding worm touch me and wound my foot.
1 Tkejlood : the oeean of air, the firmament.
The deities are (1) Mitra and Varuna, (2) Agni, (3) Visve Dev4h, (4) Praise of the Bivers. Each stanza of the hymn is to be repeated a as an antidote to tlie poison or disease which it specifies.
1 That which nest9 within and sieeUi : * the insidious and spreading (poison)* — Wilson. Siyana supplies the substantive visTiam, The scorpion : ajakd- wam ; the exact meaning is uncertain.
3 Twofold joints : of the arms and legs. S&yan%*s interpretation is different: ' thepoieon which is generated in the manifold knots (of trees).' — Wilson.
8 2%el^mali: the silk-cotton tree. All the Qod^ : ot, l\i^ XXi-Qio^t^ crt YiBTedevas.
«2 THE UYMys OF [BOOK VII.
4 The steep declivities, the valleys, and the heights, the chan- nels full of water, and the waterless —
May those who swell with water, gracious Goddesses, never afflict us with the Sipada disease, may all the rivers keep us free from Simida.
• HYMN LI. Adityas.
Through the Adityas' most auspicious shelter, through their most recent succour may we conquer.
May they, the Mighty, giving ear, establish this sacrifice, to make us free and sinless.
2 Let Aditi rejoice and the Adityas, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman,
most righteous. May they, the Guardians of the world, protect us, and, to show favour, drink this day our Soma.
3 All Universal Deities, the Maruts, all the Adityas, yea, and
all the Kibhus, Indra, and Agni, and the Asvins, lauded* Preserve us ever- more, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LIT. Adityas.
May we bo free from every bond, Adityas! a castle among Gods
and men, ye Vasus. Winning, may we win Varuna and Mitra, and, being, may we
be, 0 Earth and Hoaven.
2 May Varuna and Mitra grant this blessing, our Guardians,
shelter to our seed and oflfepring. Let us not suffer for another's trespass, nor do the thing that yc, 0 Vasus, punish.
3 The ever-prompt Angirases, imploring riches from Savitar the
God, obtained them. So may our Father who is great and holy, and all the Gods, accordant, grant this favour.
HYMN Lin. Heaven and Earth.
As priest with solemn rites and adorations I worship Heaven
and Earth, the High and Holy. To them, great Parents of the Gods, have sages of ancient
time, singing, assigned precedence.
4 The S'pada disease : * perhaps the Vaidik form of Slipad^a, the Cochin leg.' — Wilbun. Simidd : appareutly a female demon, or a disease attributed to her malevolence.
3 Universal Deities : visve dev^h ; the All-Gods. Lauded : the sentence is incomplete, the substantives in the nominative case having no verb.
1 Being : really and truly being, rich, powerful, and distinguished. 8 Our Pathtr : Varuna, the father of Vasishtha ; or Savitur, or PrajApati 'OtJt^ be Intended.
BTMN 65.] THE RIG I ^EDA. 53
2 With newest hymns set in the seat of Order, those the Two
Parents, born before all others, Come, Heaven and Earth, with the Celestial People, hither to us, for strong is your protection.
3 Yea, Heaven and Earth, ye hold in your possession full many
a treasure for the liberal giver. Grant us that wealth which comes in free abundance. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LTV. V&8toBhpati.
AcKNOWLBDGS US, O Guardian of the Homestead : bring no
disease, and give us happy entrance. Whatever we ask of thee, be pleased to grant it, and prosper
thou our quadrupeds and bipeds.
2 Protector of the Home, be our promoter : increase our wealth
in kine and steeds, 0 Indu. May we be ever-youthful in thy friendship : be pleased in us as in his sons a father.
3 Through thy dear fellowship that bringeth welfare, may we be
victors. Guardian of the Dwelling ! Protect our happiness in rest and labour. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LV. VA«toshpati.
VAstoshpati, who killest all disease and wearest every form. Be an auspicious Friend to us.
2 When, 0 bright Son of Sarami, thou showest, tawny-hued !
thy teeth, They gleam like lances' points within thy mouth when thou wouldst bite : go thou to sleep.
3 Sarama's Son, retrace thy way: bark at the robber and the
thief. At Indra's singers barkest thou ? Why dost thou seek to ter- rify us ? Go to sleep.
3 For the liberal giver : or, for Sudfts.
Yistoshpati is the Gknius or tutelary God of the house. la this hymn he is addre<)8ed also as Indu, another name of Soma the Moon-God.
V&sfcnshpati is the deity of the first stanza, and Tndra of the rest.
The metre is G^yatrl in stanza 1, Uparishiftdbrihat? (8x3 + 12) in 2-4, and Anushtup in 5-8, and the hymn appears to be made up of three corres- ponding pieces unconnected by their subjects.
2 Son of Sara7nd ; Saramft. the hound of Indra, is mother of the two fiftramejas, the brindled watch-dogs of Yama, God of the Dead. This stanza and the two following appear to be addressed by the spirits of Indra's worship- pers to one of the dogs who would present their entering tliQ Ixom^ ol i\i^ pious.
^* TME BYMNS OF [BOOK VI/.
4 Be on thy guard against the boar, and let the boar beware of
thee. At Indra's singers barkest thou ? Whj dost thou seek to terrify us ? Go to sleep,
5 Sleep mother, let the father sleep, sleep dog and master of the
house.
Let all the kinsmen sleep, sleep all the people who are round about.
6 The man who sits, the man who walks, and whosoever looks
on us, Of these we closely shut the eyes, even as we closely shut this house. \
7 The Bull who hath a thousand horns, who rises up from out
the sea, — By him the Strong and Mighty One we lull and make the people sleep.
8 The women sleeping in the court, lying without, or stretched
on beds, The matrons with their odorous sweets — these, one and aD,
we lull to sleep.
HYMN LVI. Marotfc
Who are these radiant men in serried rank, Kudra's young
heroes borne by noble steeds ?
2 Verily no one knoweth whence they sprang : they, and they
only, know each other's birth.
3 They strew each other with their blasts, these Hawks : they
strove together, roaring like the wind.
5 This and the three foUowing stanzas form a lullaby or sleep-soag, pro- bably sung as a charm by a loTer on a secret visit to his love.
7 The Bull who hcUh a thoumiid hyiihs : the Sun, whose setting brings thtt time of rest and sleep ; or perhaps the starry heaven is intended
S With their odorous tweets : wearing garlands of fragiant flowers on festive occasions, according to S&yapa : 'decorated with holiday perfumes.' — Wilaon. According to a legend mentioned by Sftyana, Vasishtha. having fasted for three days was entering the house of Yaruua in hope of food, when the watch-dog set upon him and was put to sleep by the repetition of the last four verses, which are to be recited on similar oocasions by thieves and house-breakera. See Wilson's note. The hymn has been discussed by Aufrecht, Judueh€ Studien, IV. 337f, and by Lanman, SamkHt Bmder, p. 370.
3 They strew each other with their blasts : the meaning of svapShhik is uncertain. * They go together by their own pure paths.* — WilsMi * They plucked each other with their beakai?)* — M. Miiller. * They bestrew eadb other with light.* — Grassmann. * They scatter dust over each other with besoms.*— Roth. I follow Professor Ludwig. The meaning appears to be tbal the Hawks or rapid Maruts are so crowded in their onward sweep that Htkom in front feel the quick breath of those who follow. Similarly (YIII. SO. %i\ the crorFdedMarutBurelik^^ed to cattle who liok each other*8 heads or humft.
SYMN 51] TBE HIOVEDA. «5
4 A sage was he wh6 knew these mysteries, what m her udder
mighty Prisni bore.
5 Ever victorious, through the Maruts, be this band of Heroes,
nursing manly strength,
6 Most bright in splendour, fleetest on their way, close-knit to
glory, strong with varied power.
7 Yea, mighty is your power and firm your strength : so,
potent, with the Maruts, be the band.
8 Bright is your spirit, wrathful are your minds : your bold
troop's minstrel is like one inspired.
9 Ever avert your blazing shaft from us, and let not your dis-
pleasure reach us here.
10 Your dear names, conquering Maruts, we invoke, calling aloud
till we are satisfied.
1 1 Well-armed, impetuous in their haste, they deck themselves,
their forms, with ornaments of gold.
12 Pure, Maruts, pure 3^ ourselves, are your oblations : to you, the
pure, pure sacrifice I offer. By Law they came to truth, the Law's observers, bright by their birth, and pure, and sanctifying.
13 Your rings, 0 Maruts, rest upon your shoulders, and chains
of gold are twined upon your bosoms. Gleaming with drops of rain, like lightning-flashes, after your wont ye whirl about your weapons.
14 Wide in the depth of air spread forth your glories, far, most
adorable, ye bear your titles. Maruts, accept this thousandfold allotment of household sacrifice and 'household treasure.
15 If, Marats, ye regard the praise recited here at this mighty
singer's invocation. Vouchsafe us quickly wealth with noble heroes, wealth which no man who hateth us may injure.
4 What in her udder: according to Sftyana, what beinga (Maruts, etc.) mighty Prisni bore at her udder or in the firmament.
8 Your hold troop's minstrel: the leader of the Maruts' thunder- psalm. Like ams intpired : m-dniriva, like a Muni or inspired saint ' The soundu produced by the shaking of the trees are like the varied intonations of a reciter of praises, is S&yana*s explanation.* —Wilson. Lanman translates diflferently: Clear is your whistling. Your hearts are wrathful as the wild onward-rush of a doughty troop.'
14 Ye hear your titles : you make yourselves known. * You send down (the waters) that beat down (the dust).' — Wilson. Nitvidni, names, according to SAyaaa, means wutera, hecaaae they bend down the du«t, pdu%'d.n UQ/taa>)aul\.
B6 THE HYMNS OP [BOOK VI i
16 Tha Maruts, fleet as coursers, while they deck them lik youths spectators of a festal meeting,
Linger, like beauteous colts, about the dwelling, like frisking calves, these who pour down the water.
17 So may the Maruts help us and be gracious, bringmg fre« room to lovely Earth and Heaven.
Far be your bolt that slayeth men and cattle. Ye Yasue turn yourselves to us with blessings.
18 The priest, when seated, loudly calls you, Maruts, praising ii song your universal bounty.
He, Bulls ! who hath so much in his possession, free frou duplicity, with hymns invokes you.
19 These Maruts bring the swift man to a stand-still, an< stren*^th with mightier strength they break and humble.
These guard the singer from the man who hates him and la; their sore displeasure on the wicked.
j 20 These Maruts rouse even the poor and needy : the Yasus lov
; him as an active champion.
Drive to a distance, O ye Bulls, the darkness : give us fu] store of children and descendants.
! 21 Never, 0 Maruts, may we lose your bounty, nor, car-bom
• Lords ! be hindmost when ye deal it.
I Give us a share in that delightful treasure, the genuin
wealth that. Bulls ! is your possession.
« 22 What time the men in fury rush together for running streams
for pastures, and for houses, Then, O ye Maruts, ye who spring from Rudra, be our prote< tors in the strife with foemen.
23 Full many a deed ye did for our forefathers worthy of laud
which, even of old, they sang you. The strong man, with the Maruts, wins in battle, the chargei ■ with the Maruts, gains the booty.
24 Ours, 0 ye Maruts, be the vigorous Hero, the Lord Divine o
men, the strong Sustainer, With whom to fair lands we may cross the waters, and dwe in our own home with you beside us.
25 May Indra, Mitra, Yaruna and Agni, Waters, and Plants, an
Trees accept our praises. May we find shelter in the Maruts' bosom. Preserve us evei more, ye Gods, with blessings.
24 The Lord Divine : literally, the Asura. We may cross the icaters : tl I Maruts are besought to favour an expedition for the acquisition of new se*
y t)em»ntB on the further side of a river.
B7MS 68.] THE RIQ VEDA, fSI
HYMN LVII. Marutn.
Yka, throngh the power of your sweet juice, ye Holy ! the
Marut host is glad at sacrifices. They cause even spacious heaven and earth to tremble, they
make the spring flow wheu they come, the Mighty.
2 The Maruts watch the man who sings their praises, promoters
of the thought of him who worships. Seat you on sacred grass in our assembly, this day, with friendly minds, to share the banquet.
3 No others gleam so brightly as these Maruts with their own
forms, their golden gauds, their weapons. With all adornments, decking earth and heaven, they heighten, for bright show, their common splendour.
4 Far from us be your blazing dart, 0 Maruts, when we,
through human frailty, sin against you. Let us not be exposed to that, ye Holy ! May your most lov- ing favour still attend us.
5 May even what we have done delight the Manits, the blame-
• less Ones, the bright, the purifying. Further us, 0 ye Holy, with your kindness : advance us . mightily that we may prosper.
6 And may the Maruts, praised by all their titles, Heroes, enjoy
the taste of our oblations. Give us of Amrit for the sake of offspring : awake the excel- lent fair stores of riches.
7 Hither, ye Maruts, praised, with all your succours, with all
felicity come to our princes, Who, of themselves, a hundredfold increase us. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LVIII. Manifg.
Sing to the troop that pours down rain in common, the Mighty Company of celestial nature.
1 Ye Holy : according to S&yana, the Maruts are addressed. The Marut host : n^ma Mirutam : the Marut name, t. e. those who are called Maruts.
This hymn, and .all the hymns to the Maruts have been translated and explained in Max Miiller's Vedic Hymns, I. (Sacred Books of the East, Vol. XXXII)
6 Oive us of Amrit : the secret essence which pervades the world and nour- ishes and sustains all must naturally also be the element that promotes re- production.— Ludwig. Von Both explains the passage differently: * Add us to (the number of) the people of eternity, t. e. to the blessed.' * Vouchsafe our children long life,' — (^assmann. 'Bestow water upon our pro^eo^ % — '^'^^^■^»
I
B8 THB BTMtra OP [BOOS '
They make the world-halves tremble with their greatiM from depths of earth and sky they reach to heaTen.
2 Yea, your birth, Manite, waa with wild commotion, ye i
move swiftly, tierce in wrath, terrific. Te all-eurpasaing in your might and vigour, each looker on light fears at your coming.
3 Give ample vital power unto oor^prinoes : let our fair prai
gratify the Maruts. As the way travelled helpeth people onward, ao further with your delightful succours. i Your favoured singer counts his wealth by hundreda : strong steed whom ye favour wins a thousand. The Strvran whom ye aid destroys the foeman. Hay i your gift, ye Shakers, be distinguished. 6 I call, as such, the Sons of bounteous Rudra : will not Maruts turn again to us-ward 1 What secret sin or open stirs their anger, that wo implore Swift Ones to forgive us. 6 This eulogy of the Bounteous hath been apoken : accept, Maruts, this our hymn of praises. Ye Bulls, keep those who hate us at a distance. Preserve evermore, ye Gods, with blessings,
HYMN LIX. H>r
Whomso ye rescue here and there, whomso ye guide, 0 Deiti To him give shelter, Agni, Mitra, Varuija, ye Maruts, ( thou Aryaman.
2 Through your kind favour, Gods, on some auspicious day,
worshipper subdues his foes. That man increases home and strengthening ample food n brings you offerings as ye list.
3 Vasishtha will not overlook the lowliest one among you all 0 Maruts, of our Soma juice effused to^ay drink sJI of j
with eager haste.
4 Your succour in the battle injures not the man to whom
Heroes, grant your gifts,
I From deptkt of earth and iky : ntrriti han a nid to ba BynooymouB is tAtlmi, earth, and avanfd, the uneupported, with aniaritiha, firmameDt, J nirriti, Death, Deetructiun, as identified with bkUmi, may be the Prithiv; the atmoephere (see V. 84.), which must oritfimiUf huve been con^dered to the place of departed Bpirita.
S Madt loottr on (A« Ughl: vifva^ tvardfU:: occi^iiig to Siyana, every b
^ ^jj^irei tiof : » Utote» tor, i* of thegrmt«st tdvantage to.
BTMN 51] THB RtO VEDA . 59
May your most recent favour turn to us again. Come quickly, ye who fain would drink.
5 €k)me hitherward to drink the juice, 0 ye whose bounties give
you joy. These ofierings are for you, these, Maruts, I present. Go not to any plekce but this.
6 Sit on our sacred grass, be graciously inclined to give the
wealth for which we long. To take delight, ye Maruts, Friends of all, with Svllhll, in sweet Soma juice.
7 Decking the beauty of their forms in secret the Swans with
purple backs have flown down hither. Around me all the Company hath settled, like joyous Heroes glad in our libation.
8 Maruts, the man whose wrath is hard to master, he who would
slay us ere we think, 0 Vasus, May he be tangled in the toils of mischief ; smite ye him down with your most flaming weapon.
9 0 Maruts, ye consuming Gods, enjoy this offering brought for
you. To help us, ye who slay the foe.
10 Sharers of household sacrifice, come, Maruts, stay not far away. That ye may help us. Bounteous Ones.
11 Here, Self-strong Maruts, yea, even here, ye Sages with your
sunbright skins ! I dedicate your sacrifice.
12 Tryambaka we worship, sweet augmenter of prosperity.
As from its stem the cucumber, so may I be released from death, not reft of immortality.
6 Whose hourUies give you joy : or follow each other closely, and are ever freah and ready.
6 Svdhd : an exclamation, like Ave ! or Hail ! used in making oblations to the Gods.
7 WUh purple 6adb ; nflaprishthih : of. Horace's * pnrpurei olores.'
8 Mischief: or one of the malicious spirits called Drubs.
12 Trynmbaha : a name of Rudra. Sioeet : according to S&yana, sugandhim, sweet-smelling, means here, * whose fame is fragrant.* * The verse occurs in the Yajur-Veda, 6. 30, and is, in some instances, differently interpreted ; Tryam- haka is termed netratrayopetam Hudram, the triocular Rudra : tugandhim, divyctgandhopetam, of celestial fragrance : the urvdruha is said to mean the karkandhu [fruit of the jujube-tree], which; when ripe, falls of itself from itA stAlk.'— Wilson.
60 TBS HYMNS OF [BOOK VtL
HYMN LX. Mitra-Varuna.
When thou, 0 Sun, this day, arising sinless, shalt speak the
truth to Varuna and Mitra, O Aditi, may all the Deities love us, and thou, O Aryaman,
while we are singing*
2 Looking on man, 0 Varuna and Mitra, this Sun ascendeth up
by both the pathways, Guardian of all things fixt, of all that moveth, beholding good and evil acts of mortals.
3 He from their home hath yoked the Seven gold Coursers who,
dropping oil and fatness, carry Surya. Yours, Yaruaa and Mitra, he surveyeth the worlds and living creatures like a herdsman.
4 Your coursers rich in store of sweets have mounted : to the
bright ocean Surya hath ascended, For whom the Adityas make his pathway ready, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna, accordant.
5 For these, even Aryaman, Varuna, and Mitra, are the chas-
tisers of all guile and falsehood. These, Aditi's Sons, infallible and mighty, have waxen in the home of Law Eternal.
6 These, Mitra, Varuna, whom none deceiveth, with great power
quicken even the fool to wisdom, And, wakening, moreover, thoughtful insight, lead it by easy paths o'er grief and trouble.
7 They ever vigilant, with eyes that close not, caring for heaven
and earth, lead on the thoughtless. Even in the river's bed there is a shallow : across this broad expanse may they conduct us.
8 When Aditi and Varuna and Mitra, like guardians, give SudSii
their friendly shelter. Granting him sons and lineal succession, let us not, bold ones ! move the Gods to anger.
The hymn is addressed chiefly to Mitra and Varuna, but Surya or the Sun is the deity of the first stanza.
1 Sinless : Sftyana makes dn^gdh -andgasah : * declare the truth... that we are void of sin.* — Wilson. But this seems forced, and the implied meaning of the poet is clear enough if the word is tAken in its usual signification.
2 Both the pathways : near the earth and high in the firmament.
6 Mitra, Varvna : and Aryaman, understood : the verbs are in the plural.
8 Bold ones : the warning is addressed to the people of SudAs, who has been frequently mentioned in preceding hymns.
JBTMN 61.1 THE RIO VEDA. CI
9 May he with offerings purify the altar from any stains of Varuna's reviler. Aryaiuan save us from all those who hate us : give room and freedom to Sudas, ye Mighty.
10 Hid from our eyes is their resplendent meeting : by their
mysterious might they hold dominion. Heroes ! we cry trembling in fear before you, even in the great- ness of your power have mercy.
1 1 He who wins favour for his prayer by worship, that he may
gain him strength and highest riches, That good man's mind the Mighty Ones will follow : they have brought comfort to his spacious dwelling.
12 This priestly task, Gods ! Varuna and Mitra ! hath been par-
formed for you at sacrifices. Convey us safely over Q^erj peril. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LXI. Mitra-Varuna. ^
O Varuna and Mitra, Sfirya spreading the beauteous light of you Twain Gods ariseth. He who beholdeth all existing creatures observeth well the zeal that is in mortals.
2 The holy sage, renowned afar, directeth his hymns to you, O
Varuna and Mitra, — He whose devotions, sapient Gods, ye favour so that ye fill, as 'twere, with power his autumns.
3 From the wide earth, 0 Varuna and Mitra, from the great
lofty heaven, ye. Bounteous Givers, Have in the fields and houses set your warders who visit every spot and watch unceasing.
4 I praise the strength of Varuna and Mitra : that strength, by
mightiness, keeps both worlds asunder. Heroless pass the months of the ungodly : he who loves sacri- fice makes his home enduring.
9 May he : Agni may be intended. Varvnn*» reviler : those who speak evil of princes like SudAs, Varuna being the king's prototype.— Lud wig.
10 TTieir resplendent meeting : that of Mitra, Varuna, and Aryaman.
1 1 Have brotiffht comfort to his spacious dwelling : * bestow a spacious man- sion for a dwelling upon him.' — Wilson.
2 Autumn J.' years o£ hie life.
et Tss BYiim OP [nooK viL
5 Steers, all infallible are these your people in whom no wondrous
thing is seen, no worship. Guile follows close the men who are untruthful : no secrets may be hidden from your knowledge.
6 I will exalt your sacrifice with homage : as priest, I, Mitra-
Varupa, invoke jou. May these new hymns and prayers that I have fashioned delight you to the profit of the singer.
7 This priestly task, Gods ! Varui^a and Mitra ! hath been per-
formed for you at sacrifices. Convey us safely over every peril. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LXII. « Mitra-Vanira.
S^RTA hath sent aloft his beams of splendour o'er all the
tribes of men in countless places. Together with the heaven he shines apparent, formed by his
Makers well with power and wisdom.
2 So hast thou mounted up before us, SArya, through these our
praises, with fleet dappled horses. Declare us free from all offence to Mitra, and Varuna, and Aryamau, and Agni.
3 May holy Agni, Varuna, and Mitra send down their riches
upon us in thousands. May they, the Bright Ones, make our praise-song perfect, and, when we laud them, grant us all our wishes.
4 0 undivided Heaven and Earth, preserve us, us, Lofty Ones !
your nobly-born descendants. Let us not anger Varuna, nor Valyu, nor him, the dearest Friend of mortals, Mitra.
5 Stretch forth your arms and let our lives be lengthened :
with fatness dew the pastures of our cattle. Ye Youthful, make us famed among the people : hear, Mitra- Varuna, these mine invocations.
5 This stanza is difficult. Sftyana's interpretation as given by Wilson is : ' Unperplexed, all-pervading showerers (of benefits), these praises are for you, in which nothing surprising, no adoration (worthy of you), is beheld: the in- sincere commendations of men serve as offences : eulogies of you, although offered in secret are not unappreciated/ The version of the Seventy JSymm is somewhat as follows : * All your avenging spirits, O ye Mighty, foUow unerr- iJ9gly tihe sinner's traces. They have no bign that men may mark, no figure. Naught is so secret that ye fail to know it.' This latter involves a slight alteration of the text. I prefer Ludwig's interpretation, although it ia not absolutely convincing.
d To tAe pro^e of the Hnger : see Fcdi«c?ie Sttuiien, I, 4S.
BYMN 64 1 THE RIQVEDA. dt
% Now Mitra, VaruI^^ Aryaman vouchsafe ua freedom and lOom, for us and for our children. May we find paths all Ibat and good to trayeL Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LXIII. Mitra-Varupft.
CoMitoi^ to all mankind, auspicious Sdrya, he who beholdeth all, is mounting upward ;
The God, the eye of Varuna and Mitra, who rolled up dark- ness like a piece of leather.
2 Sdrya's great ensign, restless as the billow, that urgeth men
to action, is advancing ; Onward he still would roll the wheel well-rounded, which Etasa, harnessed to the car-pole, moveth.
3 Refulgent from the bosom of the Mornings, he in whom singers
take delight ascendeth. This Savitar, God, is my chief joy and pleasure, who break eth not the universal statute.
4 Golden, far-seeing, from the heaven he riseth : far is his goal,
he hasteth on resplendent. Men, verily, inspirited by Surya speed to their aims and do the work assigned them.
6 Where the Immortals have prepared his pathway he flieth through the region like a falcon. With homage and oblations will we serve you, O Mitra- Varuna, when tbe Sun hath risen.
6 Now Mitra, Varuna, Aryaman vouchsafe us freedom and room, for us and for our children. May we find paths all fair and good to travel. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LXIV. Mitra-Varu^a.
Yb Twain who rule, in heaven and earth, the region, clothed
be your clouds in robes of oil and fatness. May the imperial Varnna, and Mitra, and high-bom Aryaman
accept our presents.
2 Kings, guards of mighty everlasting Order, come hitherward, ye Princes, Lords of Rivers. Send us from heaven, 0 Varuna and Mitra, rain and sweet food, ye who pour down your bounties.
2 Et€L9a : or, the bright or dappled steed ; one of the horses of the Sua.
3 Breaketh not : faithfully observes and supports.
1 Clothed he your clouds: *A covering cloud of nacTod o\\ «AX«ivd^ '^qksl fV, 62. 4). 'Impelled by you, (the clouds) assume the iorui ol twv' — ^'^•^►'^u
64 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK Vll.
3 May the dear God, and Varuna, and Mitra conduct us by the most effective pathways, That foes may say unto Sud\s our chieftain, May we, too, joy in food with Gods to guard us.
.4 Him who hath wrought for you this car in spirit, who makes the song rise upward and sustains it. Bedew with fatness, Varuna and Mitra : ye Kings, make glad the pleasant dwelling-places.
5 To you this laud, 0 Varuna and Mitra, is offered like bright Soma juice to Vayu. Favour our songs of praise, wake thought and spirit. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LXV. Mitia-Varuna.
With hymns I call you, when the Sun hath risen, Mitra, and
Varuna whose thoughts are holy. Whose Power Divine, supreme and everlasting, comes with good
heed at each man's supplication.
.2 For they are Asuras of Go Is, the friendly : make, both of you, our lands exceeding fruitful. May we obtain you, Varuna and Mitra, wherever Heaven and Earth and days may bless us.
3 Bonds of the sinner, they bear many nooses : the wicked mortal
hardly may escape them. Varuna-Mitra, may your path of Order bear us o'er trouble as a boat o'er waters.
4 Come, taste our offering, Varuna and Mitra ; bedew our pasture
with sweet food and fatness. Pour down in plenty hero upon the people the choicest of your fair celestial water.
8 The second half of the stanza is obscure. The meanin.'; appears to be that even our foes, the godless who offer no sacrifices, shall envy the pros- perity which we enjoy through the liberality of Sudds, and shall wish to fol- low our example, to sacrifice to the Gods and to enjoy their pioteotion and the ble<>8iugs which they send.
4 Thii c%r :■ this carefully-formed hymn which goes, like a chariot, to the Qods.
5 To Vdyii : who receives the first draught of Soma juice at the morning libation.
The hymn appears to be composed of fragments of other hymns with a few original additions. Cf. VII. 63. 5; 66. 7. 12; VI. 68. 8; VII. 62. 5; III. 62. 16. See von Bradke, Dyaus Asura, 3 — 5.
1 Poioer Divine : aaurydm : Asurahood. WJiose : refers to Mitra and Varuna.
2 Asuras of Gods : the high or ruling Gods of all the deities.
3 Bonds : binders. Many nooses : * Your guiles, ye Holy Ones, to quell op- prffSBors, your snares spread out against the foe, Adityas' (II. 27. 16).
BTMN 6d.] THE RIGVEDA, "eS
5 To you this laud, 0 Varuna and Mitra, is offered, like bright Soma juice to V^yu. Favour our songs of praise, wake thought and spirit. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LXVL Mitra-Vamna.
Let our strong hymn of praise go forth, the laud of Mitra-
Varuna, With homage to that high-born Pair ;
2 The Two exceeding wise, the Sons of Daksha, whom the Grods ordained For lorddhip, excellently great.
8 Such, Guardians of our homes and us, 0 Mitra- Varuna, fulfil The thoughts of those who sing your praise.
4 So when the Sun hath risen to-day, may sinless Mitra, Arya-
man, Bhaga, and Savitar send us forth.
5 May this our home be guarded well : forward, ye Bounteous,
on the way, Who bear us safely o'er distress.
6 And those Self-reigning, Aditi, whose statute is inviolate, The Kings who rule a vast domain.
7 Soon as the Sun hath risen, to you, to Mitra- Varuna, I sing. And Aryaman who slays the foe.
8 With wealth of gold may this my song bring unmolested
power and might, And, Brahmans, gain the sacrifice.
9 May we be thine, God Varuna, and with our princes, Mitra,
thine : Food and Heaven's light will we obtain.
10 Many are they who strengthen Law, Sun-eyed, with Agni for their tongue,
2 SoM of Bakika: see VI. 50. 2, For lordship : literally for Asiirahood.
4 Sinless: S&yana here, as in VII. 60. 1, takes dndf/dh us = andgasah, bo that, according to his interpretation, the translation would be : may Savitar, Mitra, Aryaman, and Bhaga send us sinless forth.
6 Aditi is out of place here, as there is no copulative in the text : whose mother is Aditi, seems to ba intended.
8 Andf Brahmans, gain the sacrifice : the exact meaning is uncertain : * May it (be effective), sagea, for the fulfilment of (the objects of) the sucriEce.'— > Yfilaon.
«« THE HYMNS OP [BOOK VIL
They Trho direct the three great gatherings with their thoughts, yea, all things with surpassing might.
11 They who have stablished year and month and then the day,
night, sacrifice and holy verse,
Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, the Kings, have won dominion which none else may gain.
12 So at the rising of the Sun we think of you with hymns
to-day,
Even as Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman deserve : ye are the chariot- eers of Law.
13 True to Law, born in Law, the strengtheners of Law, terrible,
haters of the false.
In their felicity which gives the best defence may we men and our princes dwell.
14 Uprises, on the slope of heaven, that marvel that attracts the
sight.
As swift celestial Etasa bears it away, prepared for every eye to see.
15 Lord of each single head, of fixt and moving things, equally
through the whole expanse.
The Seven sister Bays bear Surya on his car, to bring xib wealth and happiness.
16 A hundred autumns may we see that bright Eye, God-ordain-
ed, arise : A hundred autumns may we live.
17 Infallible through your wisdom, come hither, resplendent
Varuna, And Mitra, to the Soma draught.
18 Come as the laws of Heaven ordain, Varuna, Mitra, void of
guile : Press near and drink the Soma juice.
19 Come, Mitra, Varuna, accept, Heroes, our sacrificial gift : Drink Soma, ye who strengthen Law.
1 0 The three great gatherings: or three assemblies. The meaning is not clear. Ludwig is of opinion that the three castes are intended.
The meaning of stanzas 10 and 11 is that although there be many deities Varuna, Mitra, and Axyaman are supreme.
15 Sisiei' Bays: the Hants. See IV. 6. 9; 13. 3.
X8 C)me as the laws of Heaven ordain : * Come with your glories from the sijr. '^^Sijrana. * Come hither with the hosts of heaven.* — Gra^smami.
S7MN 67.] THE RIOVEDA, 67
HYMN LXVII. Asvins.
I WITH a holy heart that brings oblation will sing forth praise
to meet your car, ye Princes, Which, Much-desired ! hath wakened as your envoy. I call
you hither as a son his parents.
2 Brightly hath Agni shone by us enkindled : the limits even of darkness were apparent. Eastward is seen the Banner of the Morning, the Banner bom to give Heaven's Daughter glory.
^ With hymns the deft priest is about you, Asy^ins, the eloquent priest attends you now, NA.satyas. Come by the paths that ye are wont to travel, on car that finds the light, laden with treasure.
4 When, suppliant for your help, Lovers of Sweetness ! I seek-
ing wealth call you to our libation, Hitherward let your vigorous horses bear you : drink ye with us the well-pressed Soma juices.
5 Bring forward, Asvins, Gods, to its fulfilment my never-weari-
ed prayer that asks for riches. Vouchsafe us all high spirit in the combat, and with your powers, 0 Lords of Power, assist us.
6 Favour us in these prayers of ours, 0 As\4ns. May we hare
genial vigour, ne'er to fail us. So may we, strong in children and descendants, go, wealthy, to the banquet that awaits you.
7 Lovers of Sweetness, we have brought this treasure to you as
'twere an envoy sent for friendship. Come unto us with spirits free from anger, in homes of men enjoying our oblation.
8 With one, the same, intention, ye swift movers, o'er the Seven
Rivers hath your chariot travelled. Yoked by the Gods, your strong steeds never weary while speeding forward at the pole they bear you.
9 Exhaustless be your bounty to our princes who with their
wealth incite the gift of riches. Who further friendship with their noble natures, combining wealth in kine with wealth in horses.
1 Much-desired: ' adorable.*— Wilson.
9 Incite the gift of riches : move the Gods to give riches in return.
Friendthijp : or, a kinsman, meaning, apparently, the priest
«8 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VIL
10 Now hear, 0 Youthful Twain, mine invocation: come, Asvins, to the home where food aboundeth. Vouchsafe us wealth, do honour to our nobles. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LXVIII. Asvins.
•
Come, radiant Asvins, with your noble horses : accept your
servant's hymns, ye Wonder- Workers : Enjoy oblations which we bring to greet you.
2 The gladdening juices stand prepared before you : come quick-
ly and partake of mine oblation. Pass by the calling of our foe and hear us.
3 Your chariot with a hundred aids, 0 Asvins, beareth you swift
as thought across the regions, Speeding to us, 0 ye whose wealth is Surylk.
4 What time this stone of yours, the Gods' adorer, upraised,.
sounds forth for you as Soma-presser, Let the priest bring you, Fair Ones, through oblations.
5 The nourishment ye have is, truly, wondrous : ye gave there-
of a quickening store to Atri, Who, being dear to you, receives your favour.
6 That gift, which all may gain, ye gave Chyavana, when he
g'-ew old, who offered you oblations. When ye bestowed on him enduring beauty.
7 What time his wicked friends abandoned Bhujyu, 0 Asvins,
in the middle of the ocean. Your horse delivered him, your faithful servant.
3 Whose wealth is SHi'y^ : having SiiryA for your possession or treasure. Suryft, the daughter of the Sun. is the consort of the Asvins. See I. 1X6. X7.
4 The Gods* adorer: devay^h : literally, turning or going to the Gods, in- asmuch as it is employed in preparing the Soma juice. The priest : here» perhaps, the pressing-stone.
5 A quickening store : the meaning of mdhishvantanif which does not occu'^ elsewhere, is uncertain. According to S^yar^a it means a pit or cavern : ye liberated Atri from the cavern, or, literally, ye separated the cavern from Atri. For the legend, see I. 116. 12.
6 Which aU may gain : which you Asvins are ready to grant to every worshipper who needs it. For the atory of Chyav4na seel. U6. 10; 117. 13; 118.6,
7 Bhujyu: see Vol. I., Index, Your horse: this meaning is suggested by von Roth for the uncertain word driivdy which ganerally appears to mean hostile or illiberal \ ut may perhaps stand in this passage for arvdf a common wori\ signifying hor. e. S.*e I. 117. 14 : — 'With horses brown of hue that flew
H^ith swift Wiuga ye I roii^ht back Bhuiyufrom the sea of billows.' See also VJl 69, 7.
HtitN 69 J Tffi RIO VEDA. 6d
8 Ye lent your aid to Vrika when exhausted, and listened when
invoked to Sayu's calling. Ye made the cow pour forth her milk like water, and, Asvins, strengthened with your strength the barren.
9 With his fair hymns this singer, too, extols you, waking with
glad thoughts at the break of morning. May the cow nourish him with milk to feed him. Preserve us tevermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LXIX. Asvins.
May your gold chariot, dra\^n by vigorous horses, come ta us,
blocking up the earth and heaven, Bright with its fellies while its Way drops fatness, food-laden,
rich in coursers, man's protector.
2 Let it approach, yoked by the will, three-seate i, extending far
and wide o^er fivefold beings. Whereon ye visit God-adoring races, bending your course whither ye will, 0 Asvins.
3 Renowned, with noble horses, come ye hither : drink. Wond-
rous Pair, the cup that holds sweet juices. Your car whereon your Spouse is wont to travel marks with its track the farthest ends of heaven.
4 When night was turning to the grey of morning the Maiden,
Surya's Daughter, chose your splendour. When with your power and might ye aid the pious he comes through heat to life by your assistance.
5 0 Chariot-borne, this car of yours invested with rays of light
comes harnessed to our dwelling. Herewith, 0 Asvins, while the dawn is breaking, to this our sacrifice bring peace and blessing.
6 Like the wild cattle thirsty for the lightning. Heroes, come
nigh this day to our libations. Men call on you with hymns in many places, but let not other worshippers detain you,
8 Vrika : literally wolf, or robber. Some man so named seems to be meant. Suyu: see I. 118. 8; VI. 13. 5.
9 This singer : the Rishi Vasishtha. The cow : that is brought to supply the milk required for libations.
2 Fivefold beings: * sai'vaprdnhah' all living beings, says SAyanik
3 Your Spouse : Suryi, daughter of the Sun.
4 Chose your splendour : seel. 116. 17.
6 Thirsty for the lightnivff : which immediately pT%ced«i,OT vitWK^wivJM^^ the rain tbey long for.
k
70 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK Vlt
7 Bhujyu, abandoned in the midst of ocean, ye raised from out
the water with your iiorses, Uninjured, wingM, flagging not> undaunted, with deeds of wonder saving him, O Asvins.
8 Now hear, 0 Youthful Twain, mine invocation : come, Asvins,
to the home where food aboundeth. Vouchsafe us wealth, do honour to our nobles. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LXX. Asvins.
Rich in all blessings, Aeivins, come ye hither : this place on
earth is called your own possession, Like a strong horse with a fair back it standeth, whereon, as
in a lap, ye seat you firmly.
2 This most delightful eulogy awaits you : in the man's house
drink-offering bath been heated. Which bringeth you over the seas and rivers, yoking as 'twere two well-matched shining horses,
3 Whatever dwellings ye possess, 0 Asvins, in fields of men or
in the streams of heaven. Resting upon the summit of the mountain, or bringing food to him who gives oblation,
4 Delight yourselves, ye Gods, in plants and waters when Rishis
give them and ye find they suit you. Enriching us with treasures in abundance ye have looked back to former generations.
6 Asvins, though ye have heard them oft aforetime, regard the many prayers which Rishis offer. Come to the man even as bis heart desire th : may we enjoy your most delightful favour.
6 Come to the sacrifice offered you, Nllsatyas, with men, obIa> tions, and prayer duly uttered. Come to Vasishtha as his heart desireth, for unto you these holy hymns are chanted
7 Horses : not in the text, but supplied by Sftyana and obviously understood. See preceding hymn, 7, note.
1 This place: the altar.
2 Drink-offering : ghartaa : the libation of hot milk ; or, the caldron in which it is prepared.
4 Ye have looked bach to former generations : S&yana explains yug^ni diffe- rently : * (favour u4) as you have favoured former couples [t. e. sacrificers and their w/VasJ.'— Wilson.
/^ TAemam the inatitator of the Bacnfic*»
MJMN 72.] THE RlQVEDA. 71
7 This is the thought, this is the song, 0 As vine : accept this hymn of ours, ye Steers, with favour. May these our prayers addressed to you come nigh you. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LXXI. Asvins.
The Night retireth from the Dawn her Sister; the Dark one
yieldeth to the Red her pathway. Let us invoke you rich in steeds and cattle : by day and night
keep far from us the arrow. 3 Bearing rich treasure in your car, 0 Asvins, come to the
mortal who presents oblation. Keep at a distance penury and sickness ; Lovers of Sweetness,
day and night preserve us.
3 May your strong horses, seeking bliss, bring hither your
chariot at the earliest flush of morning. With coursers yoked by Law drive hither, Asvins, your car whose reins are light, laden with treasure.
4 The chariot. Princes, that conveys you, moving at daylight,
triple-seated, fraught with riches. Even with this come unto us, Nasatyas, that laden with all food it may approach us.
5 Ye freed Chyavana from old age and weakness : ye brought
the courser fleet of foot to Pedu. Ye rescued Atri from distress aud darkness, and loosed for Jahusha the bonds that bound him.
6 This is the thought, this is the song, 0 Asvins : accept this
hymn of ours, ye Steers, with favour. May these our prayers addressed to you come nigh you. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with' blessings.
HYMN LXXII. ABving.
Comb, 0 Nasatyas, on your car resplendent, rich in abundant
wealth of kine and horses. As harnessed steeds, all our laudations follow you whose forms
shine with most delightful beauty.
2 Come with the Gods associate, come ye hither to us, Nasatyas, with your car accordant. 'Twixt you and us there is ancestral friendship and common kin : remember and regard it.
1 The Red : the Sun. The airow : of disease and death.
3 Seeking bliss : for men.
5 For Chyavdna, Pedu, Atri, and Jdhusha, see Vol. I. Index. There-ap- pearance, heralded by the Asvins or Gods of Twilight, of the departed Sun Appeaiv to he BjrmboUzed in all these legends.
7% TffS ffYMJ^S OF [BOOK VII.
3 Awakened are the songs that praise the Afvins, the kindred
prayers and the Celestial Mornings. Inviting those we long for, Earth and Heaven, the singer calleth these Nasatjas hither.
4 What time the Dawns break forth in light, O Asvins, to you
the poets offer their devotions. God Savitar hath sent aloft his splendour, and fires sing praises with the kindled fuel.
5 Come from the West, come from the east, Nasatyas, come, As-
vins, from below and from above us. Bring wealth from all sides for the Fivefold People. Preserve .us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings*
HYMN LXXIII. Asvins.
Wb have overpassed the limit of this darkness while, worship- ping the Gods, we sang their praises.
The song invoketh both Immortal Asvins, far-reaching, bom of old, great Wonder-Workers.
2 And, 0 Nasatyas, man's dear Priest is seated, who brings to
sacrifice and offers worship. Be near and taste the pleasant juice, 0 Asvins : with food, I call you to the sacrifices.
3 We choosing you, have let our worship follow its course : ye
Steers, accept this hymn with favour. Obeying you as your appointed servant, Vasishtha singing hath with lauds aroused you.
4 And these Two Priests come nigh unto our people, united,
demon-slayers, mighty-handed. The juices that exhilarate are mingled. Injure us not, but come with happy fortune.
5 Come from the west, come from the east, Nslsatyas, come, As-
vins, from below and from above us. Bring wealth from all sides for the Fivefold People. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LXXIV. Asvins.
Thesb morning sacrifices call you. Asvins, at the break of day. For help have I invoked you rich in power and might : for, house by house, ye visit alL
- - - — -■■-- - ■■■■— ^■■-■--
5 TJie Fivefold People : the five Aryan tribes. See I. 7. 9.
1 The first half-line has occurred before in I. 92. 6, and 183. (J.
2 Man's dear Priest : Agni.
^ -^<Kftf Tiffo Priests/ the Aevins. Demori'slayers : slayers of Rftkshasas and ^rilspirita of the night which disappear at the cotnm^ oi tVie Vievilda a£ day.
SYMN 75;] TBE RIOVEDA, 78
2 O Heroes, ye bestow wonderful nourishment : send it to him
whose songs ate sweet. Accordant, both of you, drive your car down to us, and drink the savoury Soma juice.
3 Approach ye and be near to us : drink, 0 ye Asvins, of the
meath. Draw forth the milk, ye Mighty, rich in genuine wealth : in- jure us not, and come to us.
4 The horses that convey you in their rapid flight down to the
worshipper's abode, With these your speedy coursers. Heroes, Asvins, come, ye Gods, come well-inclined to us.
6 Yea, verily, our princes seek the Asvins in pursuit of food. These shall give lasting glory to our liberal lords, and, both N^satyas, shelter us.
6 Those who have led the way, like cars, offending none, those who are guardians of the men — Also through their own might the heroes have grown strong, and dwell in safe and happy liomes.
HYMN LXXV. Dawn.
Born in the heavens the Dawn hath flushed, and showing her
majesty is come as Law ordaineth. She hath uncovered fiends and hateful darkness ; best of
Angirases, hath waked the pathways.
2 Rouse us this day to high and happy fortune : to great felicity,
0 Dawn, promote us. Vouchsafe us manifold and splendid riches, famed among mor- tals, man-befriending Goddess !
3 See, lovely Morning's everlasting splendours, bright with their
varied colours, have approached us. Filling the region of mid-air, producing the rites of holy wor- ship, they have mounted.
4 She yokes her chariot far away, and swiftly visits the lands
where the Five Tribes are settled. Looking upon the works and ways of mortals, Daughter of Heaven, the world's Imperial Lady.
3 Draw forth the milk : milk the sweet rain from the firmament.
6 W/fo have led the way, like can : wealthy nobles or princea, *the heroes' of the second line.
1 Be8t of Anf/lraset : endowed With the noblest chara'^teristics of the holy Angirasea Wa^ed the pathwapt i Jiglited thetn iov meii to u^fe.
i
74 TBE HYMNS OF [BOOK YIL
5 She who is rich in spoil, the Spouse of Sarya, wondrously
opulent, rules all wealth and treasures. Consumer of our youth, the seers extol her : lauded by priests ricii Dawn shines out refulgent.
6 Apparent are the steeds of varied colour, the red steeds car-
rying resplendent Morning. On her all-lovely car she comes, the Fair One, and brings rich treasure for her faithful servant
7 True with the True and Mighty with the Mighty, with Gods
a Goddess, Holy with the Holy, She brake strong fences down and gave the cattle : the kine were lowing as they greeted Morning.
8 0 Dawn, now give us wealth in kine and heroes, and horses,
fraught with manifold enjoyment. Protect our sacred grass from man's reproaches. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LXXVI. Dawn.
Savitar God of all men hath sent upward his light, designed
for all mankind, immortal. Through the Gods' power that Eye was first created. Dawn
hath made all the universe apparent.
2 I see the paths which Gods are wont to travel, innocuous paths / made ready by the Vasus.
^/Eastward the flag of Dawn hath been uplifted; she hath come i»ither o'er the tops of houses.
3 Great is, in truth, the number of the Mornings which were
aforetime at the Sun's uprising, Since thou, 0 Dawn, hast been beheld repairing as to thy love, as one no more to leave him.
4 They were the Gods' companions at the banquet, the ancient sages true to Law Eternal.
The Fathers found the light that lay in darkness, and with effectual words begat the Morning.
7 Gave the cattle : restored the rays of light that had beeu imprisoned by the demons of darkness.
Z As to thy love: to the Sun, who is sometimes called the lover and some- times the husband of Ushas or Dawn.
^ 4 The Fathers : the ancestors of the Rishis in the spirit- world are Associated wfeh the Oitds aa companions, friends, and aaaiatauts. See M. Muller, India, frAafean it Teach uat pp. 223, 224.
HYMN 77.] THE RJQVEDA. 75
^-*0 Meet ug togetlier in the same enclosure, they strive not, of one mind, one with another. Tliey never break the Gods' eternal statutes, and injure none, in rivalry with Vasus.
6 Extolling thee, Blest Goddess, the Vasishthas, awake at early
morn, with lauds implore thee. Leader of kine and Queen of all that strengthens, shine, come as first to us, 0 high-born Morning.
7 She bringeth bounty and sweet charm of voices. The flush- V ing Dawn is sung by the Vasishthas,
j^ Giving us riches famed to distant places. Preserve us ever- more, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LXXVII. Dawn.
\^ She hath shone brightly like a youthful woman, stirring to motion every living creature. Agni hath come to feed on mortals' fuel. She hath made ^ light and chased away the darkness.
\{r Turned to this All, far-spreading, she hath risen and shone in brightness with white robes about her. She hath beamed forth lovely with golden colours. Mother of kine, Guide of the days she bringeth.
3 Bearing the Gods' own Eye, auspicious Lady, leading her
Courser white and fair to look on. Distinguished by her beams Dawn shines apparent, come fortli to all the world with wondrous treasure.
4 Draw nigh with wealth and dawn away the foeman : prepare
for us wide pasture free from danger. Drive away those who hate us, bring u:^ riches : pour bounty, opulent Lady, on the singer.
6 Send thy most excellent beams to shine and light us, giving us lengthened days, 0 Dawn, 0 Goddess, Granting us food, thou who hast all things precious, and bounty rich in chariots, kine, and horses.
6 0 Ushas, nobly-born. Daughter of Heaven, whom the Vasish- thas with their hymns make mighty. Bestow thou on us vast and glorious riches. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
5 In the iame enclosure: the vast aerial hall in which the Qods a&semble.
1 Agni hath come to feed on mortaW fuel : * Agni is to be kindled for the good of men.* — Wilson.
2 Kine : rays of light.
3 T^fi C^ods* own JS'ye, and Dawn'a white Cournr are tbft ^mxi.
\A:
76 THE HYMNS OP [BOOK ViL
HYMN LXXViri. Da^d,
B have beheld her earliest lights approaching : her many glories part, on high, asunder.
On car sublime, refulgent, wending hither, 0 Ushas, bring the wealth that makes us happy.
i2/The fire well-kindled sings aloud to greet her, and with their hymns the priests are chanting w*elcome.
Ushas approaches in her splendour, driving all evil darkness far away, the Goddess.
3 Apparent eastward are those lights of Morning, sending out
lustre, as they rise, around them.
She hath brought forth Sun, sacrifice, and Agni, and far away hath fled detested darktiess.
4 Rich Daughter of the Sky, we all behold her, yea, all men
look on Dawn as she is breaking.
Her car that moves self-harnessed hath she mounted, the car drawn onward by her well-yoked horses.
5 Inspired with loving thoughts this day to greet thee; we and
our wealthy nobles have awakened.
Show yourselves fruitful, Dawns, as ye are rising* Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LXXIX. Dawn.
Rousing the lands where men's Five Tribes are settled, Dawn
hath disclosed the pathways of the people. Si»e hath sent out her sheen with beauteous oxen. The Sun
with light hath opened earth and heaven.
2 They paint their bright rays on the sky's far limits : the
Dawns come on like tribes arrayed for battle.
Thy cattle, closely shutting up the darkness, as Savitar spreads his arms, give forth their lustre.
3 Wealthy, most like to Indra, Dawn hath risen, and brought
forth lauds that shall promote our welfare.
Daughter of Heaven, a Goddess, she distributes, best of Angi- rases, treasures to the pious.
1 Five Tribes : of Aryans. Pathways : pathy'd here has apparently the same meaning as in VII. 75. 1. But according to the Pada text and S&yana it is an adjective agreeing with UsMh (Dawn), and signifying beneficiaL
2 They : the Dawns. For battle : supplied by S&yana. S Best of Angira$e» : see VII. 75. 1.
BYMN 81.] THE RIGVEDA, 77
4 Bestow on us, 0 Dawn, that ample bounty which thou didst
send to those who sang thy praises ; Thou whom with bellowings of a bull they quickened : thou didst uubar the firm-set mountain's portals.
5 Impelling every God to grant his bounty, sending to us the
charm of pleasant voices, Vouchsafe us thoughts, for profit, as thou breakest. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LXXX, Dawn.
The priests, Vasishthas, are the first awakened to welcome
Ushas with their songs and praises, Who makes surrounding regions pari asunder, and shows ap-
psxrent all existing creatures.
2 Giving fresh life when she hath hid the darkness, this Dawn
hath wakened there with new-born lustre. Youthful and unrestrained she cometh forward : she hath turned thoughts to Sun and fire and worship.
3 May blessid Mornini^s shine on us for ever, with wealth of
/ kine, of horses, and of heroes,
Streaming with all abundance, pouring fatness. Preserve us \/ evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LXXXI. Dawn.
Advancing, sending forth her rays, the Daughter of the Sky
is seen. Uncovering, that we may see, the mighty gloom, the friendly
Lady makes the light.
2 The Sun ascending, the refulgent Star, pours down his beams
tojSjether wTth the Dawn. O Dawn, at^ thine arising, and the Sun's, may we attain the share allotted us.
3 Promptly we woke to welcome thee, 0 Ushas, Daughter of
the Sky, Thee, Bounteous One, who bringest all we long to have, and to the offerer health and wealth.
4 The second line is translated by Prof. Wilson : * tbou whom (thy worship- pers) welcomed with clamour (loud as the bellowing) of a bull.'
Portals: the doors of the mountain or cloud in which the cows or rays of light wei-e imprisoned. Ushas ia by implication entreated to open these doors now for the singer of the hymn,
2 She hath turned thoughts : or, with S&yaua, ' she hath made manifest sacrifice, Sun, and Agni.' Cf. VII. 78. 3.
3 This Btanm ia repeated from YIL 41. 7.
7a THE HYMNS OP [BOOK VIL
4 Thon, dawning, workest fain to light the great world, yea,
heaven, Goddess ! that it may be seen. We yearn to be thine own, Dealer of Wealth : may we be to this Mother like her sons.
5 Bring us that wondrous bounty. Dawn, that shall be famed
most far away. ''
What, Child of Heaven, thou hast of nourishment for man, bestow thou on us to enjoy.
6 Give to onr princes opulence and immortal fame, and strength
in herds of kine to us. May she who prompts the wealthy, Lady of sweet strains, may Ushas dawn our foes away.
HYMN LXXXir. Indra-Varuna.
•
Grant us your strong protection, Indra-Varuna, our people,
and our family, for sacrifice. May we subdue in fight our evil-hearted foes, him who attacks
the man stedfast in lengthened rites.
2 0 Indra-Varuna, mighty and very rich ! One of you is called
Monarch and One Autocrat. All Gods in the most lofty region of the air have, 0 ye Steers, combined all power and might in you.
3 Ye with 3'our strength hive pierced tl»e fountains of the floods:
the Sun have ye brought forward as the Lord in heaven. Cheered by this magic draught ye, Indra-Varnna, made the dry places stream, made songs of piaise flow forth.
4 In battles and in frays we ministering priests, kneeling upon
our knees for furtherance of onr weal. Invoke yon, only yon, the Lords of twofold wealth, you prompt to hear, we bards, 0 Indra-Varnna.
5 0 Indra-Varnna, as ye created all these creatnres of the world
by your surpassing might, In peace and quiet Mitra waits on Varuna, the Other, awful, with the Marnts seeks renown.
6 Lady of sweet strains : sUnrltdvatt : according to S&yana, ' speaker of truth.* * Possessing all that is excellent.* — Ludwig.
2 One of you: Varuna is called samr&j or universal ruler (thoroughly re- Bplendent, according to Silyana), and Indra svardj, independent ruler, or, according to S&yana, self-resplendent.
4 Twofold wealth : celestial and terrestrial. 5 TTaUs on Varuna: and so acknowledges his supremacy. The Other:
UYMN 88 J THE RIGVEDA, 79
6 That Vanina's high worth may shine prefe'minent, these Twain
have measured each his proper power and might. The One subdiieth the destructive enemy ; the Other with a few fnrthereth many a man,
7 No trouble, no misfortune, Indra-Varuna, no woe from any
side assails the mortal man "Whose sacrifice, 0 Gods, ye visit and enjoy : ne'er doth the crafty guile of mortal injure him.
8 With your divine protection, Heroes, come to us : mine invo-
cation hear, if ye be pleased therewith. Bestow ye upon us, 0 Indra-Varuna, your friendship and your kinship and your favouring grace.
9 In battle after battle, Indra-Varuna, be ye our Champions, ye
wlio are the peoples' strength. When both opposing bands invoke you for the fight, and men that they may gain offspring and progeny.
10 May Indm, Varuna, Mitra, and Aryaman vouchsafe us glory and j^reat shelter spreading far. We think of the beneficent light of Aditi, and Savitar's song of praise, the God who strengthens Law.
HYMN LXXXIII. Indra-Varuna.
Looking to you and your alliance, 0 ye Men, armed with
broad axes they went forward, fain for spoil. Ye smote and slew his Ddsaand his Aryan enemies, and helped
Sudas with favour, Indra-Varuna.
2 Where heroes come together with their banners raised, in the
encounter where is naught for us^to love, Where all things that behold the light are terrified, there did ye comfort us, 0 I udra- Varuna.
3 The boundaries of earth were seen all dark with dust :
O Indra-Varuna, the shout went up to heaven. The enmities of the people compassed me about. Ye heard my calling and ye came to me with help.
6 The One : Varuna.
ladra and Varupa are praised by the Vaslshthas, the family priests of Sud&s, King of the Tiitsus, for having given him the victory over the ten confederate Kings. See V'll. 3^. 3.
1 0 ye Men: or Heroes; Indra and Varuna. Armed with h^oad axes: 'armed with large sickles.* — Wilson. Ludwig maintains th^t the former meaning is perfectly impossible, and argues that prithupdraavah must mean * the Prithus and the Parsus.'
• •
2 Where is naught for us to love : Prof. Qrasamann, whom Prof. Peterson follows, explains differently : ' where all that is dear is at stake.'
80 ^ TEE ETMNS OF [BOOK Vlt
4 With your resistless weapons, Indra-Varuna, ye conquered
Bheda and ye gave Sud^s your aid. Ye heard the prayers of these amid the cries of war : effectual was the service of the Tritsus' priest.
5 0 ludra-Varuna, the wickedness of foes and mine assailants'
hatred sorely trouble me. Ye Twain are Lords of riches both of earth and heaven : so grant to us your aid on the decisive day.
6 The men of both the hosts invoked you in the fight, Indra
and Varuna, that they might win the wealth, What time ye helped Sudas, with all the Tritsu folk, when the Ten Kings had pressed him down in their attack.
7 Ten Kings who worshipped not, 0 Indra-Varuna, confederate,
in war prevailed not o'er Sud&s. True was the boast of heroes sitting at the feast : so at their invocations Gods were on their side.
8 0 Indra-Varuna, ye gave Sudas your aid when the Ten Kings
in battle compassed him about, There where the white-robed Tritsus with their braided hair, skilled in song worshipped you with homage and with hymn,
9 One of you Twain destroys the Vritras in the fight, the Other
evermore maintains his holy Laws. We call on you, ye Mighty, with our hymns of praise. Vouch- safe us your protection, Indra-Varuna.
10 May Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Aryaman vouchsafe us glory and great shelter spreading far. We think of the beneficent light of Aditi, and Savitar's song of praise, the God who strengthens Law,
HYMN LXXXIV. Indra-Varuna.
Kings, Indra-Varu^ia, I would turn you hither to this our
sacrifice with gifts and homage. Held in both arms the ladle, dropping fatness, goes of itself
to you whose forms are varied,
2 Djaus quickens and promotes your high dominion who bind with bonds not wrought of rope or cordage. Far from us still be Varuna's displeasure : may Indm give us spacious room to dwell in.
4 Bheda: see VII. 18. X9.
6 Both of earth and heaven : or, perhaps, belonging to both sides.
8 With their braided hair: see VII. 33. 1.
10 This stanza is repeated from the preceding hymn,
2 I?yatts: ct VI. 62. 9. Not wrought of rop^: moral and figurative, no loater/aJ,
BTMN 85.1 THE RIOVEDA. 81
3 Make ye our sacrifice fair amid the assemblies : make ye our
prayers approved among our priuces.
May God-sent riches come for our possession : further ye us with your delightful succours.
4 O Indra-Varuna, vouchsafe us riches with store of treasure,
food, and every blessing; For the Aditya, baiiisher of falsehood, the Hero, dealetU wealth in boundless plenty.
5 May this my song reach Varuna and Indra, and, strongly
urging, win me sons and offspring.
To the Gods* banquet may we go with riches. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN LXXXV. Indra-Varuna.
For you I deck a harmless hymn, presenting the Soma juice
to Varuna and Indra — A hymn that shines like heavenly Dawn with fatness. May
y/ they be near us on the march and guard us. Here where the arrows fall amid the banners both hosts invoke
the Gods in emulation. O Indra-Varuna, smite back those our foemen, yea, smite them with your shaft to every quarter.
3 Self-lucid in their seats, e'en heavenly Waters endowed with
Godhead Varuna and Indra. One of these holds the folk distinct and sundered, the Other smites and slays resistless foemen.
4 Wise be the priest and skilled in Law Eternal, who with his
sacred gifts and adoration Brings you to aid us with your might, Adityas : let him have viands to promote his w^elfare.
5 May this my song reach Varuna and Indra, and, strongly
urging, win me sons and offspring. To the Gods' banquet may we go with riches. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
4 Hie Aditya : Varuna.
1 On the mareh : the Rishi prays for aid in an expected battle.
3 With Oodhead : libations of Soma juice, with which water is mingled, support the Gods in their several stations : somendpydi/itd hi devat^h sve sve sthdne 'vatishthante. — S&yana. Distinct and sundered : differently treated, re- warded or punished in accordance with their deserts. 'The other sustains the separate creatures.' — Muir. * The one protects the tribes which are scat- tered abroad.' — Grassmann.
4 Wise he the priest: or, wise must the priest be, Bk\\\e^, ^to.. He*. NJaa Jastitutor of eacriBce, Viands : sacrificial food to be oSexfcd \.o Wi^ <^vi^^.
6
S2 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VIL
HYMN LXXXVI. Varuna.
Wise, verily, are creatures through his greatness who stayed
even spacious heaven and earth asunder ; Who urged the high and mighty sky to motion, the Star of
old, and spread the earth before him.
2 With mine own heart I commune on the question how Varuna
and I may be united. What gift of mine will he accept unangered ? When may I calmly look and find him gracious 1
3 Fain to know this my sin I question others : I seek the wise,
0 Varuna, and ask them. This one same answer even the sages gave me. Surely this Varuna is angry with thee.
4 What, Varima, hath been my chief transgression, that thou
wonldst slay the friend who sings thy praises ? Tell me, Unconquerable Lord, and quickly sinless will I ap- proach thee with mine homage.
5 Free us Jrom sins committed by our fathers, from those where-
in we have ourselves offended. O King, loose, like a thief who feeds the cattle, as from the cord a calf, set free Vasisbtha.
6 Not our own will betrayed us, but seduction, thoughtlessness,
Varuna ! wine, dice, or anger. The old is near to lead astray the younger: even sleep removeth not all evil-doing.
7 Slavelike may 1 do service to the Bounteous, serve, free from
sin, the God inclined to anger. This gentle Lord gives wisdom to the simple : the wiser God leads on the wise to riches.
8 0 Lord, 0 Varuna, may this laudation come close to tUee and
lie within thy spirit. May it be well with us in rest and labour. Preserve us ever- more, ye Gods, with blessings.
1 The Star : the Sun.
5 Like a thief who feeds the cattle : who has performed penance for his theft, and, at the completion of the service, oflfered fodder to the stolen animal : * who has feasted on stolen cattle.' — M. MuUer. But see Pischel, Vediiche Studien, I. p. 106.
6 Seduction : or, as Sdyana explains, * the settled course of fate.*
i^/ a/af 13 near: ' T)iq stronger perverts the weaker.' — Muir. * There U a senior [God] in the proximity of the junior tmanV—^^^^^
J^fM^ 87.1 5r^^ RIGVEDA, 88
HYMN LXXXVII. Varuna.
Varusta cat a pathway out for Sdrya, and led the watery floods
of rivers onward. The Mares, as in a race, speed on in order. He made great
channels for the days to follow.
"2 The wind, thy breath, hath sounded through the region like a wild beast that seeks his food in pastures. Within these two, exalted Earth and Heaven, 0 Varuna, are all th« forms thou lovest.
3 Var ana's spies, sent forth upon their errand, survey the two
world-halves well formed and fashioned. Wise are they, holy, skilled in sacrifice>i, the furtherers of the praise-songs of the prudent.
4 To me who understand hath Varuna spoken, the names borne
by the Cow are three times seven. The sapient God, knowing the place's secret, shall speak as 'twere to teach the race that cometh.
5 On him three heavens rest and are supported, and the three
earti^s are there in sixfold order. The wise King Varnna hath made in heaven that Golden Swing to cover it with glory,
6 Like Varuna from heaven he sinks in Sindhu, like a white-
shining spark, a strong wild creature. Ruling in depths and meting out the region, great saving power hath he, this world's Controller.
1 2*Ag Jfarg«; the swift rivers. The half -line is difficult. * Hastening (to his task) «s a hurse let loo^ rushes to (a flock of) mares, he divided the great nights from the days.' — Wilson. * Like a troop (of horses) let loose, following the mares, he has made great channels for the days' — Muir.
8 Va/rand^B spies : the oth«r Adityas, or perhaps the Fathers,
4 The Cow : according to Slyana, VAk or Speech in the form of a cow having twenty-one metres attached to her breast, throat, and head, or holding the names of twenty-one kinds of sacrifice. Aditi may be intended, or Prisni with the tbrice-seven Maruts.
The 8apieut,God: * The wise god. though he knows them, has not revealed the mysteries of (her) place, which he desires to grant to a future generation.' — Muir. According to S&yana, nd in this line is not negative.
5 For the three hecivent and three earths see Vol. I., Index. In sixfold order : perhaps referring to the heavens and earths, or else the three earths arbitrarily d<Mibled. * The three earths with their six seasons.' — Wilson. That Oolden Swing : the Sun.
6 He: the Sun. Sindhn: or the sea. Ruling in depths: referring to Varuna whose dominion, following the setting sun, reaches to the depths of the ocean. Meting ont the region : or, who measured ©ut the firmament. S?ly ana's interpretation of this stanza is different: '(Radiant) as the sun, Varuna placed th« ocean (in its bed), white as a drop (of water), vigorous as an antelope, object of profound praise, distributor oi w«A«t » V\vfc ^Q7^^"t\.\aX innaporter bejond Bin, the ruler of this existing (woTldV** — '^vV&'Mi.
84 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK VII,
7 Before this Varuna may we be sinless — him who shows mercy even to the sinner — While we are keeping Aditi's ordinances. Preserve us ever^ more, ye Gods, with blesainga. .
HYMN LXXXVIII. Varuna,
Present to Varuna thine hymn, Vasishtha, bright, most de- lightful to the Bounteous Giver,
Who bringeth on to us the Bull, the lofty, the Holy, laden with a thousand treasures.
2 And now, as I am come before his presence, I take the face of
Varuna for Agni's. So might he bring — Lord also of the darkness — the light in hieaven that I may see its beauty !
3 When Varuna and I embark together and urge our boat into
the midst of ocean. We, when we ride o'er ridges of the waters, will swing within that swing and there be happy,
4 Varuna placed Vasishtha in the vessel, and deftly with hia
might made him a Rishi. When days shone bright the Sage made him a singer, while the heavens broadened and the Dawns were lengthened.
5 What hath become of those our ancient friendships, when
without enmity we walked together ? I, Varuna, thou glorious Lord, have entered thy lofty home, thine house with thousand portals.
6 If he, thy true ally, hath sinned against thee, still, Varuna,
he is the fiiend thou lovedst. Let us not, Living One, as sinners, know thee ; give shelter, as a Sage, to him who lauds tbeCf
7 Aditia ordinances: according to S&ya9a, Aditi here paeans *the Mighty,*' that is, Varuna.
1 The Bull : the Sun, • 2 For Agni'a : that ia, it appears to me to be flaming with anger.
3 * The kernel of the hymn lies in verses 3 to 6. The singer believes that he has been forsaken by his helper Varuna ; with anguish he remembers hia communion with the God in former times. In a vision he sees himself transr lated into Varurja's realm, he goes sailing with the God, is called to be Rishi or holy singer to the God, and is in bis palnce with hiw. Now, Varuna' has withdrawn his favour, yet let him have mercy on his singer, and not puniaU hiVn so grievously for his sin. The hymn perhaps originally closed with vers* ^-'—Prof. von Roth*8 note in the Siebenzig Lieder^ translated by J*r(^ retertpn. But see HiJiebrandt, Varuna und MUra, ^^. ^b, *i,^.
ftrahv 90.i tirjs rig^edl 85
7 While we abide in these fixed habitations, and from the lap of Aditi win favour, May Varuna untie the bond that binds us. Preserve ua ever- more, ye Godsj with blessings.
^ HYMN LXXXIX. Varu-a. v
Lbt me not yet. King Vanma, enter into the house of clay : Have mercy, spare me, Mighty Lord.
^ 2 When, Thunderer ! I move along tremulous like a wind-blown skin. Have mercy, spare me, Mighty Lord.
3 0 Bright and Powerful God, through want of strength I erred
and went astray : Have mercy, spare me. Mighty Lord.
4 Thirst found thy worshipper though he stood in the midst of
water-floods : Have mercy, spate me. Mighty Lord.
5 0 Varuna, whatever the offence may be which we as men com-
mit against the heavenly host. When through our want of thought we violate thy laws, punish us not, 0 God, for that iniquity.
HYMN XC. Vdyu.
•To you pure juices, rich in meath, are offered by priests through
longing for the Pair of Heroes, Drive, Vayu, bring thine harnessed horses hither ; drink the
pressed Soma till it make thee joyful.
— ' ' — '■■■^ ■ ■ ■ "' ■-■ -'-■
^ Aditi: here said to miBan earth.
The hymn has been translated by Dr. Muir 0. S. Texts, V. 67, Prof. M. {fuller, Anc S^^nsk. Lit., 540, the authors of SUbenzig Lieder, p. 12, and Prof, Peterson, Hymiitfrom the Migveda, p 287.
1 The koute o/ day : the grave. Cf. Atharva-veda, V. 30. 14.
2 Thundet'er : adrivah. Caster of the Stone, a common epithet cf Indra, but not Buit-'^ble to Varuna. Tremulovs: Silyana adds aaiti/ena, with cold; and Prof. Wilson observes tJiat * the VarimapdBat a kind of dropsy, seems to be referred to.' Cf. Atharva-veda, IV. 16. 7.
. 4 7 hirst: avarice. In the midst «/ v>aterfioods : when surrounded by abundant Wealth. According to the Commentator, the allusion is to Vasit^h- Uia's sea- voyage ; or perhaps the perpetual thirst of dropsy may be intended.
The last three Btanzaa are addressed to Indra awdNltyu «A «. ^\3Lsi\"^€\\:S» 2 TAePatrof iferaes: Indn and Vdyu.
8« TEE HYMNS OF {BOOK T/I
2 Whoso to thee, the Mighty, brings oblation, pure Soma unto
thee, pure-driuking Vayu, That mau thou makest famous among mortals : to him strong sons are born in quick succession.
3 The God whom both these worlds brought forth for riches,
whom heavenly Dhishana for our wealth appointeth, , His team of harnessed horses waits on Vayu, and, foremost, on the radiant Treasure^bearer,
4 The spotless Dawns with lair bright days have broken ; they
found the spacious light when they were shining.. Eagerly they disclosed the stall of cattle : floods streamed ior them as in the days aforetime.
5 These with their truthful spirit, shining brightly, move on
provided with their natural insight. Viands attend the car that beareth Heroes, your car, ye Sovran Pair, Indra and V&yu.
6 May these who give us heavenly light, these rulers, with gifts
of kiue and horses, gold and treasures. These priuces, through full life, Indra and Vayu ! o'ercome in battle with their steeds and heroes.
7 Like coursers seeking fume will we Vasishthas, 0 Indra- Vayu,
with our fair laudations, Exerting all our power call you to aid us. Preserve us ever- more, ye Gods, with blessiugd.
HYMN XCI. VAyu.
Were not, in sooth, the Gods aforetime blameless, whose
pleasure was increased by adoration 1 For Vayu and fur mau in his affiction they caused the Morning
to arise with SClrya.
3 TheQod: apparently, Indra. Dltiskand: a Goddess of proBperity and gain. ITie radiant Treasure-bearer: perhaps Soma.
4 They found: the Angiraees. 'They are not named in the text, but SAyana refers the whole to them ; by their prai»e of Vdyu the dawn broke, the stolen cattle were rescued, and the obstructed rain set at liberty.' —
Wilson.
6 These: the instl tutors of sacrifice.
6 The$e rulers, these pn^ices, are the wealthy nobles who defray the expenses and reward the priests.
Indra la associated with Vdyu in almost every stanza.
I j^/' f^djfu: I translate the vdyave oi the text, Wt \t is evident tfiat ^^^^4 for Ajruj or the living one, should be read Vu *\U sV^eA.
MTMir 92.1 TEE HIOVEDA. 8T
2 Guardians infallible, eager as envoys, preserve us safe through
many mouths and autumns. Addressed to you^ our fair praise, Indra-Vayu, implores your favour and renewed well-being.
3 Wise, bright, arranger of his teams, he seeketh men >vith rich
food whose treasures are abundant. They have arranged them of one mind with Vayu : the men have wrought all noble operations.
. 4 So far as native power and strength permit you, so far as men behold whose eyes have vision, O ye pure-drinkers, drink with us pure Soma : sit on this sacred grass, ludra and Vayu.
5 Driving down teams that bear the lovely Heroes, hitherward, ludni-Vjlyu, come together. Tp you this prime of savoury juice is offered : here loose your yy horses and be fri«ndly-minded.
(5 Your hundred and your thousand teams, 0 Indra and Vayu, all-munificent, which attend you, With these most gracious-minded come ye hither, and drink, O Heroes, of the meath we offer.
7 Like coursers seeking fame will we Vasishthas, 0 Indra-Vayi>» with our fair laudations. Exerting all our power, call you to aid us. Preserve ns evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN XCII. V&yu.
O VAyu, drinker of the pure, be near us : a thousand teams
are thine, All-bounteous Giver. To thee the rapture-bringing juice is offered, whose first
draught, God, thou takest as thy portion.
2 Prompt at the holy rites forth came the presser with Soma-
draughts for ludra and for Vaju, When nnui8tering priests with strong devotion bring to you Twaiu the first taste of the Soma.
3 The teams wherewith thou seekest him who offers, within his ' home, 0 Vayu, to direct him,
Therewith send wealtli to us with full enjoyment, a hero son and gifts of kine and horses.
3 He teeketh : V&j^u. The meaning of the stanza is obscure. 5 The lovely Heroet : ludra and V4yu.
J J>rinl'ej'o/ thepure: or bright, Soma.
88 TBh HYMNS OP (BOOK Vtt.
4 Near to the Grods and making ludra joyful, devout and oflTer-
ing precious gifts to Vayu, Allied with princes, smiting down the hostile, may we with heroes conquer foes in battle.
5 With thy yoked teams in hundreds and in thousands come to
onr sacrifice and solo run worship. Come, Vayu, make thee glad at this libation. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings?,
HYMN XCIII. Indra-Agni.
SlayeIrs of enemies, Indra and Agni, accept this day our new- born pure laudation.
Again, again I call you prompt to listen, best to give quickly strength to him who craves it.
2 For ye were strong to gain, exceeding mighty, growing toge*
ther, waxing in your vigour. Lords of the pasture filled with ample riches, bestow upon us strength both fresh and lasting.
3 Yea when the strong have entered our assembly, and singers
seeking with their hymns your favour, They are like steeds who come into the race-course, those men who call aloud on Indra-Agui.
4 The singer, seeking with his hymns your favour, begs splen- did riches of their first possessor.
urther us with new bountiies, Indra-Agni, armed with strong thunder, slayers of the foeman.
5 When two gieat hosts, arrayed against each other, meet / clothed with brightness, in the fierce encounter
viStand ye beside the godly, smite the godless; and still assist the men who press the Soma.
6 To this our Soma^pressing, Indra-Agni, come ye prepared to
show your loving-kindness, For not at any time have ye despised us. So may I draw you with all strengthenings hither.
7 So Agni, kindled mid this adoration, invite thou Mitra,
Varuna, and Indra.
4 Allied: the priests are the allies and moral supporters of the princes ill war.
5 In hundreds and in thouaanda : of. I. 135. 3.
3 The strong : the nobles who institute sacrifices.
4 TAeir ^rst possessor : each God who is invoked.
5 G^reat hosts : * hosts * must be Bupp\ied. TL\ift lQm\xivaft d.>ial adjectives 'lave no subatangre in the text.
MTMN 94. J iPffE R 10 VEDA . 8»
Forgive whatever sin we have committed : may Aryaman and Aditi remove it.
8 While we accelerate these our sacrifices, may we win strength from both of you, 0 A^rni : Ne'er may the Maruts, India, Vishnu slight us. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blesssngs.
HYMN XCIV. Indra-Agni.
As I'atn from out the cloud, for you, Indra and Agiii, from
my soul This noblest praise hath beeil produced.
2 Do ye, 0 Indra-Agni, hear the singer's call : accept his songs. Ye Rulers, grant his heart's desire.
3 Give us not up to poverty, ye Heroes, Indra-Agni, nor To slander and reproach of men.
4 To Indra and to Agni we bring reverence, high and holy hymn. And, craving help, soft words with prayer.
5 For all these holy singers here implore these Twain to succour
them, Ajad priests.that they may win them strength.
6 Eager to laud you, we with songs invoke you, beariugsacred food* Eain for sucqess in sacrifice.
7 Indra and Agni, come to us with favour, ye who conquer men : Let not the wicked master us.
8 At no time let the injurious blow of hostile mortal fall on us : O Indra-Agni, shelter us.
9 Whatever wealth we crave of you, in gold, iu cattle, or in
steeds, That, Indra-Agni, let us gain ;
10 When heroes prompt iu worship call Indra and Agni, Lords
of steeds. Beside the Soma juice effused.
11 Call hither with the song and lauds those who beet slay the
foe men, those Who take delight in hymns of praise.
7 Ai'yaman and Aditi : Mitra and others being understood, as the verb i» plut-al
8 0 Agni : that is, Indra and Agni.
I As rain : the hymn of praise is copious in its flow, and is doubly bene- ficial, gratifying the Gods and bringing blessings to the worshipper. From my Boul : mdnmanak : explained by the Commentator here and in the correspond- ing passage of the Sftmaveda by stotuh, praiser or worshipper.
II Gallhith^.' I follow Prof. Ludwig in reading WtvA^ata, VclsXr."^^ ^1 ^ptvdseOah which Inrolvea a very liareh" construction.
|10 THE HYMNS OP [BOOK VII
12 Slay ye the wicked man whose thought is evil, of the demon kind. Slay him who stays the waters, slay the Serpent with your deadly dart.
HYMN XCV. Sanwratt.
This stream Sarasvati with fostering current comes forth, our
sure defence, our fort of iron. As on a car, the flood flows on, surpassing in majesty and
might all other waters.
2 Pure in her course from mountains to the ocean, alone of
streams Sarasvati hath listened. Thinking of wealth and the great world of creatures, she poured for Nahusha her milk and fatness.
3 Friendly to man he grew among the women, a strong young
Steer amid the Holy Ladies. He gives the fleet steed to our wealthy princes, and decks their bodies for success in battle.
4 May this Sarasvati be pleased and listen at this our sacriflce,
auspicious Lady, When we with reverence, on our knees, implore her close-knit to wealth, most kind to those she loveth.
5 These ofi\}rings have ye made with adoration : say this, Saras-
vati, and accept our praises; And, placing us under thy dear protection, may we approach thee, as a tree, for shelter.
6 For thee, 0 Blest Sarasvati, Vasishtha hath here unbarred the
doors of sacred Order. Wax, Bright One, and give strength to him who lauds thee. Preserve us evermore, ye Oods, with blessings.
12 Him who stays the waters: udadhim: according to S&yana, like ati ttdadhih, water-holder or pitcher. The Serpent : dbhogam, * the coiler,' explained differently by Sdyana, as 'one who enjoys good things taken from the worehippers.*
1 Sarasvati : Sindhu or Indus appears to be intended under this name. See VI. 61. 2, and Vedic HymnSf I. p. 60,
2 Ndhmsha : according to the legend, a King who prayed to Sarasvati who gave him butter and milk sufficient for the thousand-year sacrifice which he was about to perform. The Nahushas, the people living on the banks of the river, are probably intended.
3 He grew : Sarasv4n, the consort of Sarasvati.
5 These offerings : this half-line is very obscure. Prof. Ludwig thinks that
these words may be supposed to be spoken by Sarasvati to her worshippers,
but he 18 not satuihed of the correctness of his conjecture. * Presenting to
thee. S., these oblutiona with reverence ^ma^ 'wftxe<ittv«^ivotsi>iJasfc^^Mftnce).*
MTMN97.1 THE RIGVBDA. ^^
HYMN XCVI. Sftrasvfttl.
I SING a lofty song, for she is mightiest, most divine of Streams. Sarasvati will I exalt with hymus and lands, and, 0 Vasishtha, Heaven and Earth.
2 When in the fulness of their strength the Poms dwell, Beau-
teous One, on thy two grassy banks, Favour us thou who hast the Maruts for thy li-iends : stir up the bounty of our chiefs.
3 So may Sarasvati auspicious send good luck ; she, rich in spc^,
is never niggardly in thought, When praised in Jamadagui's way and lauded as Vasishtha
lauds. 4t We call upon Sarasvan, as unmarried men who long for wives, As liberal men who yearn for sons.
5 Be thou our kind protector, O Sarasv&n, with those waves of
thine Laden with sweets and dropping oil.
6 May we eujoy Sarasvan's breast, all- beautiful, that swells with
streams, May we gain food and progeny.
HYMN XCVII. Brihaspati.
Where Heaven and Earth combine in men's assembly, and
those who love the Gods delight in worship, Where the libations are effused for Indra, may he come first
to drink and make him stronger.
2 We crave the heavenly grace of Gods to guard us — so may Brihaspati, O friends, exalt us — That he, the Bounteous God, may find us sinless, who giveth from a distance like a father.
1 Heaven and Earth : heaven as the home of the Goddess, and earth where she flows as a river.
2 The PHLrus: an Aryan tribe settled on both hanks of the Sarasvati or Indus See Vol. I., Index. Grassy banks : this, as von Roth has suggested, seems to be the meaning of dndhasij hut the expression is difficult. See HiUebrandt, VecUsche Mythologiey p. 254.
3 Jamadagni : a celebratea ancient Ilishi.
Indra is the deity of stanza 1, Indra and Brahmanaspati are the deities of 3 and 9, Indra and Brihaspati of 10, and the rest of the hymn is addressed to Brihaspati. Brihaspati and Brahmayaspati are one and the same God, the Lord of Prayer. See I, 14. 3.
1 Where Heaven and Earth combine : where Gods and men meet at the place of sacrifice. And make him stronger : Sft\aDa explains vdyascha differently i • (may his) swift (horses approach}.*— Wilson'
2 Like a father: although he is far away he gi^eB ua wW^. ^^ %s&.\^'fe^ lather who ia neur at hand, — LudwiQ,
92 THE HYMNS OP [BOOK VIL
3 That Brahmanaspati, most High and Gracious, I glorify with
offerings and with homage. May the great song of praise, divine, reach Indra who is the King of prayer the Gods' creation.
4 May that Brihaspati \vho brings all blessings, most dearly
loved, be seated by our altar. Heroes and wealth we crave ; may he bestow them, and bear
us safe bevoud the men who vex us.
ft
5 To lis these Deathless Ones, erst born, have granted this laud
of ours which give^ the Immortal pleasure. Let us invoke Brihaspati, the foelesSj the clear-voiced God, the Holy One of households.
6 Him, this Brihaspati, his red-hued horses, drawing together,
full of strength, bring hither. Robed in red colour like thq cloudy they carry the Lord of Might whose friendship gives a dwelling.
7 l?or he is pure, with hundred wingSj refulgent, with sword of
gold, impetuous, winning sunlight. Sublime Bi'lhaspati, easy of aoceiBS, granteth his friends most bountiful refreshment.
8 Both Heaven and Earth, divine, the Deity's Parents, have
made Brihaspati increase in grandeur. Glorify him, 0 friends, who merits ^ory : may he give prayer fair wisiy and easy passage.
9 This, Btahmanaspati, is your laudation : prayer hath been
made to thunder-wielding Indra. Favour our songs, wake up our thought and spirit : destroy the godless and our foemen's malice.
10 Ye Twain are Lords of wealth in earth and heaven, thou, 0 Brihaspati, and thou, 0 Indra. Mean though he. be, give wealth to him who lauds you. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings*
3 The Gods' creation : devakritasya : inspired, or, literally, made, by the Gods,
6 Our hymns of praise which are acceptable to the immortal Grod have been g^ven to us by the everlasting deities themselves. Sdyana's explanation is different : ' may the first-born immortals (by his command) bestow upon 111 the food that is necessary for existence.' — Wilson.
6 Whose friendship gives a dwelling : I adopt the interpretation given by Professor Cowell in his note on the passage in Wilson's translation.
Z Witk hundred wings t ' borne by numerous conveyances,* — Wilson*
S Zn grandeur : or, by their might.
10 Mean : or, j^oor.
^TM^99.] TffE JtlOVEDA. 93
HYMN XCVIII, Indra.
Priests, offer to the Lord of all the people the milked-out
stalk of 8oma, radiant-coloured. No wild-bull knows his drinking-place like Indra who ever
seeks him who hath pressed the Soma.
2 Thou dost desire to drink, each day that passes, the pleasant
food which thou hast had aforetime. 0 Indra, gratified in heart and spirit, drii)k eagerly the Soma set before theo.
3 Thou, newly-born, for strength didst drink the Soma ; the
Mother told thee of thy future greatness. 0 Indra, thou hast filled mid-air's wide region, and given the Gods by battle room and freedom,
4 When thou hast urged the arrogant to combat, proud in their
streugth of arm, we will subdue them. Or, Indra, when thou tightest girt by heroes, we in the glori- ous fray with thee will conquer,
5 I will declare the earliest deeds of Indra, and recent acts
which Maghavau h^th accomplished. When he had conquered godless wiles and magic, Soma be- came his own entire possession.
6 Thine is this world of flocks and herds around thee, which
with the eye of Sdrya thou beholdest. Thou, Indra, art alone the Lord of cattle ; may we enjoy the treasure which thou givest.
7 Ye Twain are Lords of wealth in earth and heaven, thou, 0
Brihaspati, and thou, 0 Indra. Mean though he be, give wealth to him who lauds you. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN XCIX. Vishnu. nX
JlEif come not nigh thy majesty who gFowest beyond all bound
and measure with thy body. Both thy two regions of the earth, 0 Vishnu, we know ; thou,
God, knowest the highest also.
1 Radiant'coloured : arun^Mj recj, ruddy, here explained by the Gom- inentator as drochanidnam, shining.
3 Thy future greiftness ; see IV. 18. 4, where Aditi says:— 'No peer hati; he among those born already, nor among those who shall be bom hereafter.
1 Two regions of the earth : that is, the earth and the firmament. * The two lower regions are within the range of our perception *, iVe t)Q\\A \ife\ciW%% \.^
V\fi\\m\, yfhither he stepped with the thirdioi his aacendijig atn^^^l— N^^^^^i C'</sfffo^$^$^ qf t^ JR^veda, ,p, 115,
•4 TAe EtMNS OP [^DOR Vlii
2 None wlio is born or being born, God Vish^iu, hath reached
the utmost limit of thy grandeur. The vast high vault of heaven hast thou supported, and fixed earth's eastern pinnacle securely.
3 Rich in sweet food be ye, and rich in mllch*kine, with fertile
pastures, fain to do men service. Both these worlds, Vishnu, hast thou stayed asunder, and firmly fixed the earth with pegs around it.
4 Ye have made spacious room for sacrificing by generating
Sikrya, Dawn, and Agni.
0 Heroes, ye have conquered in your battles even the bull- jawed Dasa's wiles and magic.
5 Ye have destroyed, thou, Indra, and thou, Vishnu, Sambara*s
nine^andninety fenced castles. Ye Twain smote down a hundred times a thousand resistless heroes of the royal Varchin,
6 This is the lofty hymn of praise, exalting the Lords of Mighty
Stride, the strong and lofty.
1 laud you in the solemn synods, Vishnu : pour ye food on us
in our camps, 0 Indra.
7 0 Vishnu, unto thee my lips cry Vashat ! Let this mine offer-
ing, Sipivishta, please thee. May these my songs of eulogy exalt thee. Preserve us ever- more, ye Gods, with blessings.
HYMN C. Vishniu
•
Ne'er doth the man repent, who, seeking profit, bringeth his
gift to the far-striding Vishnu. He who adoreth him with all his spirit winneth himself so
great a benefactor.
2 Thou, Vishnu, constant in thy courses, gavest good-will to all men, and a hymn that lasteth. That thou mightst move us to abundant comfort of very splendid wealth with store of horses.
3 The first line appears to be Vishnu's blessing on heaven and earth whea he parted and supported them.
4 Bxdl'jawed : or Vrlahasipra may be the name of the D4sa.
5 Royal Varchin: see II. 14. 6.
7 Vashat : the exclamation used on making an oblation. Sipwithta : a name «/ Vishnu of uncertain etymology and meaning. * Invested with rays of lighV ^(ycorcUug to SAyana. See Muir, 0. 8, Texts, IV. 87, 88, note,
^ A Ay/nn that lasteth : continually recvirrVng occmQU Vi ^xwafe ^^a«. .
BYMN lOl.I TBE RIQVEDA. 95
^3 Three times strode forth this God iu all his grandeur over this earth bright with a hundred splendonrs. Foremost he Vishnu, stronger than the strongest : for glorious is his name who lives for ever.
4: Over this earth with mighty step strode Vishnu, ready to give it for a home to Maun. In him the humble people trust for safety : he, nobly born, hath made them spacious dwellings.
5 To-day I laud this name, 0 Sipivishta, I, skilled in rules, the
name of thee the Noble. Yea, I the poor and weak praise thee the Mighty who dwellest in the realm beyond this region.
6 What was there to be blamed in thee, 0 Vishnu, when thou