HYMN XV. Indra

1
Now, verily, will I declare the exploits, mighty and true, of him the True and Mighty. In the Trikadrukas he drank the Soma then in its rapture Indra slew the Dragon.

2
High heaven unsupported in space he stablished: he filled the two worlds and the air's mid-region. Earth he upheld, and gave it wide expansion. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.

3
From front, as 'twere a house, he ruled and measured; pierced with his bolt the fountains of the rivers, And made them flow at ease by paths far-reaching, These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.

4
Compassing those who bore away Dabhiti, in kindled fire he burnt up all their weapons. And made him rich with kine and cars and horses. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.

5
The mighty roaring flood he stayed from flowing, and carried those who swam not safely over. They having crossed the stream attained to riches. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.

6
With mighty power he made the stream flow upward, crushed with his thunderbolt the car of Usas, Rending her slow steeds with his rapid coursers. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.

7
Knowing the place wherein the maids were hiding, the outcast showed himself and stood before them. The cripple stood erect, the blind beheld them. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.

8
Praised by the Angirases he slaughtered Vala, and burst apart the bulwarks of the mountain. He tore away their deftly-built defences. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.

9
Thou, with sleep whelming Cumuri and Dhuni, slewest the Dasyu, keptest safe Dabhiti. There the staff-bearer found the golden treasure. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.

10
Now let that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra , yield in return a boon to him who lauds thee. Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with brave men, in assembly.

HYMN XVI. Indra.

1
To him, your own, the best among the good, I bring eulogy, like oblation in the kindled fire. We invocate for help Indra untouched by eld, who maketh all decay, strengthened, for ever young.

2
Without whom naught exists, Indra the Lofty One; in whom alone all powers heroic are combined. The Soma is within him, in his frame vast strength, the thunder in his hand and wisdom in his head.

3
Not by both worlds is thine own power to be surpassed, nor may thy car be stayed by mountains or by seas. None cometh near, O Indra, to thy thunderbolt, when with swift steeds thou fliest over many a league.

4
For all men bring their will to him the Resolute, to him the Holy One, to him the Strong they cleave. Pay worship with oblation, strong and passing wise. Drink thou the Soma, Indra, through the mighty blaze.

5
The vessel of the strong flows forth, the flood of meath, unto the Strong who feeds upon the strong, for drink, Strong are the two Adhvaryus, strong are both the stones. They press the Soma that is strong for him the Strong.

6
Strong is thy thunderbolt, yea, and thy car is strong; strong are thy Bay Steeds and thy weapons powerful. Thou, Indra, Bull, art Lord of the strong gladdening drink. with the strong Soma, Indra, satisfy thyself.

7
I, bold by prayer, come near thee in thy sacred rites, thee like a saving ship, thee shouting in the war. Verily he will hear and mark this word of ours: we will pour Indra forth as 'twere a spring of wealth.

8
Turn thee unto us ere calamity come nigh, as a cow full of pasture turns her to her calf. Lord of a Hundred Powers, may we once firmly cling to thy fair favours even as husbands to their wives.

9
Now let that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, yield in return a boon to him who lauds thee. Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.

HYMN XVII. Indra.

1
LIKE the Angirases, sing this new song forth to him, for, as in ancient days, his mighty powers are shown, When in the rapture of the Soma he unclosed with strength the solid firm-shut stables of the kine.

2
Let him be even that God who, for the earliest draught measuring out his power, increased his majesty; Hero who fortified his body in the wars, and through his greatness set the heaven upon his head.

3
Thou didst perform thy first great deed of hero might what time thou showedst power, through prayer, before this folk. Hurled down by thee the car-borne Lord of Tawny Steeds, the congregated swift ones fled in sundry ways.

4
He made himself by might Lord of all living things, and strong in vital power waxed great above them all. He, borne on high, o'erspread with light the heaven and earth, and, sewing up the turbid darkness, closed it in.

5
He with his might made firm the forward-bending hills, the downward rushing of the waters he ordained. Fast he upheld the earth that nourisheth all life, and stayed the heaven from falling by his wondrous skill.

6
Fit for the grasping of his arms is what the Sire hath fabricated from all kind of precious wealth. The thunderbolt, wherewith, loud-roaring, he smote down, and striking him to death laid Krivi on the earth.

7
As she who in her parents' house is growing old, I pray to thee as Bhaga from the seat of all. Grant knowledge, mete it out and bring it to us here: give us the share wherewith thou makest people glad.

8
May we invoke thee as a liberal giver thou givest us, O Indra, strength and labours. Help us with manifold assistance, Indra: Mighty One, Indra, make us yet more wealthy.

9
Now may that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee. Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.

HYMN XVIII. Indra

1
THE rich new car hath been equipped at morning; four yokes it hath, three whips, seven reins to guide it: Ten-sided, friendly to mankind, light-winner, that must be urged to speed with prayers and wishes.

2
This is prepared for him the first, the second, and the third time: he is man's Priest and Herald. Others get offspring of another parent he goeth, as a noble Bull, with others.

3
To Indra's car the Bay Steeds have I harnessed, that new well-spoken words may bring him hither. Here let not other worshippers detain thee, for among us are many holy singers.

4
Indra, come hitherward with two Bay Coursers, come thou with four, with six when invocated. Come thou with eight, with ten, to drink the Soma. Here is the juice, brave Warrior: do not scorn it.

5
O Indra, come thou hither having harnessed thy car with twenty, thirty, forty horses. Come thou with fifty well trained coursers, Indra, sixty or seventy, to drink the Soma.

6
Come to us hitherward, O Indra, carried by eighty, ninety, or an hundred horses. This Soma juice among the Sunahotras hath been poured out, in love, to glad thee, Indra.

7
To this my prayer, O Indra, come thou hither: bind to thy car's pole all thy two Bay Coursers. Thou art to be invoked in many places Hero, rejoice thyself in this libation.

8
Ne'er be my love from Indra disunited still may his liberal Milch-cow yield us treasure. So may we under his supreme protection, safe in his arms, succeed in each forth-going.

9
Now may that wealthy Cow Of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee. Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.

HYMN XIX. Indra.

1
DRAUGHTS of this sweet juice have been drunk for rapture, of the wise Soma-presser's offered dainty, Wherein, grown mighty in the days aforetime, Indra hath found delight, and men who worship.

2
Cheered by this meath Indra, whose hand wields thunder, rent piecemeal Ahi who barred up the waters, So that the quickening currents of the rivers flowed forth like birds unto their resting-places.

3
Indra, this Mighty One, the Dragon's slayer, sent forth the flood of waters to the ocean. He gave the Sun his life, he found the cattle, and with the night the works of days completed.

4
To him who worshippeth hath Indra given many and matchless gifts. He slayeth Vrtra. Straight was he to be sought with supplications by men who struggled to obtain the sunlight.

5
To him who poured him gifts he gave up Surya,-Indra, the God, the Mighty, to the mortal; For Etasa with worship brought him riches that keep distress afar, as 'twere his portion.

6
Once to the driver of his chariot, Kutsa, he gave up greedy Surya, plague of harvest; And Indra, for the sake of Divodasa demolished Sambara's nine-and-ninety castles.

7
So have we brought our hymn to thee, O Indra, strengthening thee and fain ourselves for glory. May we with best endeavours gain this friendship, and mayst thou bend the godless scorner's weapons.

8
Thus the Grtsamadas for thee, O Hero, have wrought their hymn and task as seeking favour. May they who worship thee afresh, O Indra, gain food and strength, bliss, and a happy dwelling.

9
Now may that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee, Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.

HYMN XX. Indra.

1
As one brings forth his car when fain for combat, so bring we power to thee- regard us, Indra- Well skilled in song, thoughtful in spirit, seeking great bliss from one like thee amid the Heroes.

2
Indra, thou art our own with thy protection, a guardian near to men who love thee truly, Active art thou, the liberal man's defender, his who draws near to thee with right devotion.

3
May Indra, called with solemn invocations. the young, the Friend, be men's auspicious keeper, One who will further with his aid the singer, the toiler, praiser, dresser of oblations.

4
With laud and song let me extol that Indra in whom of old men prospered and were mighty. May he, implored, fulfil the prayer for plenty of him who worships, of the living mortal.

5
He, Indra whom the Angirases' praise delighted, strengthened their prayer and made their goings prosper. Stealing away the mornings with the sunlight, he, lauded, crushed even Asna's ancient powers.

6
He verily, the God, the glorious Indra, hath raised him up for man, best Wonder-Worker. He, self-reliant, mighty and triumphant, brought low the dear head of the wicked Dasa.

7
Indra the Vrtra-slayer, Fort-destroyer, scattered the Dasa hosts who dwelt in darkness. For men hath he created earth and waters, and ever helped the prayer of him who worships.

8
To him in might the Gods have ever yielded, to Indra in the tumult of the battle. When in his arms they laid the bolt, he slaughtered the Dasyus and cast down their forts of iron.

9
Now may that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee. Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.

HYMN XXI.

1
To him the Lord of all, the Lord of wealth, of light; him who is Lord for ever, Lord of men and tilth, Him who is Lord of horses, Lord of kine,of floods, to Indra, to the Holy bring sweet Soma juice.

2
To him the potent One, who conquers and breaks down, the Victor never vanquished who disposes all, The mighty-voiced, the rider, unassailable, to Indra everconquering speak your reverent prayer.

3
Still Victor, loved by mortals, ruler over men, o'erthrower, warrior, he hath waxen as he would; Host-gatherer, triumphant, honoured mid the folk. Indra's heroic deeds will I tell forth to all.

4
The strong who never yields, who slew the furious fiend, the deep, the vast, of wisdom unattainable; Who speeds the good, the breaker-down, the firm, the vast,-Indra whose rites bring joy hath made the light of Dawn.

5
By sacrifice the yearning sages sending forth their songs found furtherance from him who speeds the flood. In Indra seeking help with worship and with hymn, they drew him to themselves and won them kine and wealth.

6
Indra, bestow on us the best of treasures, the spirit of ability and fortune; Increase of riches, safety of our bodies, charm of sweet speech, and days of pleasant weather.

HYMN XXII. Indra.

2
So he resplendent in the battle overcame Krivi by might. He with his majesty hath filled the earth and heaven, and waxen strong. One share of the libation hath he swallowed down: one share he left. So may the God attend the God, true Indu Indra who is true.

3
Brought forth together with wisdom and mighty power thou grewest great; with hero deeds subduing the malevolent, most swift in act; Giving prosperity, and lovely wealth to him who praiseth thee. So may the God attend the God, true Indu Indra who is true.

Continued...

4
This, Indra, was thy hero deed, Dancer, thy first and ancient work, worthy to be told forth in heaven, What time thou sentest down life with a God's own power, freeing the floods. All that is godless may he conquer with his might, and, Lord of Hundred Powers, find for us strength and food.

HYMN XXIII. Brahmanaspati.

1
WE call thee, Lord and Leader of the heavenly hosts, the wise among the wise, the famousest of all, The King supreme of prayers, O Brahmanaspati: hear us with help; sit down in place of sacrifice.

2
Brhaspati, God immortal! verily the Gods have gained from thee, the wise, a share in holy rites. As with great light the Sun brings forth the rays of morn, so thou alone art Father of all sacred prayer.

3
When thou hast chased away revilers and the gloom, thou mountest the refulgent car of sacrifice; The awful car, Brhaspati, that quells the foe, slays demons, cleaves the stall of kine, and finds the light.

4
Thou leadest with good guidance and preservest men; distress o'ertakes not him who offers gifts to thee. Him who hates prayer thou punishest, Brhaspati, quelling his wrath: herein is thy great mightiness.

5
No sorrow, no distress from any side, no foes, no creatures double-tongued have overcome the man,- Thou drivest all seductive fiends away from him whom, careful guard, thou keepest Brahmanaspati.

6
Thou art our keeper, wise, preparer of our paths: we, for thy service, sing to thee with hymns of praise. Brhaspati, whoever lays a snare for us, him may his evil fate, precipitate, destroy.

7
Him, too, who threatens us without offence of ours, the evilminded, arrogant, rapacious man,- Him turn thou from our path away, Brhaspati: give us fair access to this banquet of the Gods.

8
Thee as protector of our bodies we invoke, thee, saviour, as the comforter who loveth us. Strike, O Brhaspati, the Gods' revilers down, and let not the unrighteous come to highest bliss.

9
Through thee, kind -prosperer, O Brahmanaspati, may we obtain the wealth of Men which all desire: And all our enemies, who near or far away prevail against us, crush, and leave them destitute.

10
With thee as our own rich and liberal ally may we, Brhaspati, gain highest power of life. Let not the guileful wicked man be lord of us:-still may we prosper, singing goodly hymns of praise.

11
Strong, never yielding, hastening to the battle-cry, consumer of the foe, victorious in the strife, Thou art sin's true avenger, Brahmanaspati, who tamest e'en the fierce, the wildly passionate.

12
Whoso with mind ungodly seeks to do us harm, who, deeming him a man of might mid lords, would slay,- Let not his deadly blow reach us, Brhaspati; may we humiliate the strong ill-doer's wrath.

13
The mover mid the spoil, the winner of all wealth, to be invoked in fight and reverently adored, Brhaspati hath overthrown like cars of war all wicked enemies who fain would injure us.

14
Burn up the demons with thy fiercest flaming brand, those who have scorned thee in thy manifested might. Show forth that power that shall deserve the hymn of praise: destroy the evil speakers, O Brhaspati.

15
Brhaspati, that which the foe deserves not which shines among the folk effectual, splendid, That, Son of Law I which is with might refulgent-that treasure wonderful bestow thou on us.

16
Give us not up to those who, foes in ambuscade, are greedy for the wealth of him who sits at ease, Who cherish in their heart abandonment of Gods. Brhaspati, no further rest shall they obtain.

17
For Tvastar, he who knows each sacred song, brought thee to life, preeminent o'er all the things that be. Guilt-scourger, guilt-avenger is Brhaspati, who slays the spoiler and upholds the mighty Law.

18
The mountain, for thy glory, cleft itself apart when, Angiras! thou openedst the stall of kine. Thou! O Brhaspati, with Indra for ally didst hurl down water-floods which gloom had compassed round.

19
O Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn and prosper thou our children. All that the Gods regard with love is blessed. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.

HYMN XXIV. Brahmanaspati.

1
BE pleased with this our offering, thou who art the Lord; we will adore thee with this new and mighty song. As this thy friend, our liberal patron, praises thee, do thou, Brhaspati, fulfil our hearts' desire.

2
He who with might bowed down the things that should be bowed, and in his fury rent the holds of Sambara: Who overthrew what shook not, Brahmapaspati,-he made his way within the mountain stored with wealth.

3
That was a great deed for the Godliest of the Gods: strong things were loosened and the firmly fixed gave way. He drave the kine forth and cleft Vala through by prayer, dispelled the darkness and displayed the light of heaven.

4
The well with mouth of stone that poured a flood of meath, which Brahmapaspati hath opened with his might- All they who see the light have drunk their fill thereat: together they have made the watery fount flow forth.

5
Ancient will be those creatures, whatsoe'er they be; with moons, with autumns, doors unclose themselves to you. Effortless they pass on to perfect this and that, appointed works which Brahmanaspati ordained.

6
They who with much endeavour searching round obtained the Panis' noblest treasure hidden in the cave,- Those sages, having marked the falsehoods, turned them back whence they had come, and sought again to enter in.

7
The pious ones when they had seen the falsehoods turned them back, the sages stood again upon the lofty ways. Cast down with both their arms upon the rock they left the kindled fire, and said, No enemy is he.

8
With his swift bow, strung truly, Brahmanaspati reaches the mark whate'er it be that he desires. Excellent are the arrows wherewithal he shoots, keen-eyed to look on men and springing from his ear.

9
He brings together and he parts, the great High Priest; extolled is he, in battle Brahmapaspati. When, gracious, for the hymn he brings forth food and wealth, the glowing Sun untroubled sends forth fervent heat.

10
First and preeminent, excelling all besides are the kind gifts of liberal Brhaspati. These are the boons of him the Strong who should be loved, whereby both classes and the people have delight.

11
Thou who in every way supreme in earthly power, rejoicing, by thy mighty strength hast waxen great,- He is the God spread forth in breadth against the Gods: he, Brahmanaspati, encompasseth this All.

12
From you, twain Maghavans, all truth proceedeth: even the waters break not your commandment. Come to us, Brahmanaspati and Indra, to our oblation Iiie [sic] yoked steeds to fodder.

13
The sacrificial flames most swiftly hear the call: the priest of the assembly gaineth wealth for hymns. Hating the stern, remitting at his will the debt, strong in the shock of fight is Brahmanaspati.

14
The wrath of Brahmanaspati according to his will had full effect when he would do a mighty deed. The kine he drave forth and distributed to heaven, even as a copious flood with strength flows sundry ways.

15
O Brahmanaspati, may we be evermore masters of wealth well-guided, full of vital strength. Heroes on heroes send abundantly to us, when thou omnipotent through prayer seekest my call.

16
O Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn, and prosper thou our children. All that the Gods regard with love is blessed. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.

HYMN XXV. Brahmanaspati.

1
HE lighting up the flame shall conquer enemies: strong shall he be who offers prayer and brings his gift. He with his seed spreads forth beyond another's seed, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.

2
With heroes he shall overcome his hero foes, and spread his wealth by kine wise by himself is be. His children and his children's children grow in strength, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.

3
He, mighty like a raving river's billowy flood, as a bull conquers oxen, overcomes with strength. Like Agni's blazing rush he may not be restrained, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.

4
For him the floods of heaven flow never failing down: first with the heroes he goes forth to war for kine. He slays in unabated vigour with great might, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.

5
All roaring rivers pour their waters down for him, and many a flawless shelter hath been granted him. Blest with the happiness of Gods he prospers well, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.

HYMN XXVI. Brahmanaspati.

1
THE righteous singer shall o'ercome his enemies, and he who serves the Gods subdue the godless man. The zealous man shall vanquish the invincible, the worshipper share the food of him who worships not.

2
Worship, thou hero, chase the arrogant afar: put on auspicious courage for the fight with foes. Prepare oblation so that thou mayst have success. we crave the favouring help of Brahmanaspati.

3
He with his folk, his house, his family, his sons, gains booty for himself, and, with the heroes, wealth,believing Who with oblation and a true heart serves Brahmanaspati the Father of the Gods.

4
Whoso hath honoured him with offerings rich in oil, him Brahmanaspati leads forward on his way, Saves him from sorrow, frees him from his enemy, and is his wonderful deliverer from woe.

HYMN XXVII. Adityas.

1
THESE hymns that drop down fatness, with the ladle I ever offer to the Kings Adityas. May Mitra, Aryanian, and Bhaga hear us, the mighty Varuna Daksa, and Amsa.

2
With one accord may Aryaman and Mitra and Varuna this day accept this praise-song- Adityas bright and pure as streams of water, free from all guile and falsehood, blameless, perfect.

3
These Gods, Adityas, vast, profound, and faithful, with many eyes, fain to deceive the wicked, Looking within behold the good and evil near to the Kings is even the thing most distant.

4
Upholding that which moves and that which moves not, Adityas, Gods, protectors of all being, Provident, guarding well the world of spirits, true to eternal Law, the debt-exactors.

5
May I, Adityas, share m this your favour which, Aryaman, brings profit e'en in danger. Under your guidance, Varuna and Mitra, round troubles may I pass, like rugged places.

6
Smooth is your path, O Aryaman and Mitra; excellent is it, Varuna, and thornless. Thereon, Adityas, send us down your blessing: grant us a shelter hard to be demolished.

7
Mother of Kings, may Aditi transport us, by fair paths Aryaman, beyond all hatred. May we uninjured, girt by many heroes, win Varuna's and Mitra's high protection.

8
With their support they stay three earths, three heavens; three are their functions in the Gods' assembly. Mighty through Law, Adityas, is your greatness; fair is it, Aryaman, Varuna, and Mitra.

9
Golden and splendid, pure like streams of water, they hold aloft the three bright heavenly regions. Ne'er do they slumber, never close their eyelids, faithful, far-ruling for the righteous mortal.

10
Thou over all, O Varuna, art Sovran, be they Gods, Asura! or be they mortals. Grant unto us to see a hundred autumns ours be the blest long lives of our forefathers.

11
Neither the right nor left do I distinguish, neither the cast nor yet the west, Adityas. Simple and guided by your wisdom, Vasus! may I attain the light that brings no danger.

12
He who bears gifts unto the Kings, true Leaders, he whom their everlasting blessings prosper, Moves with his chariot first in rank and wealthy, munificent and lauded in assemblies.

13
Pure, faithful, very strong, with heroes round him, he dwells beside the waters rich with pasture. None slays, from near at hand or from a distance, him who is under the Adityas' guidance.

14
Aditi, Mitra, Varuna, forgive us however we have erred and sinned against you. May I obtain the broad light free from peril: O Indra, let not during darkness seize us.

15
For him the Twain united pour their fulness, the rain from heaven: he thrives most highly favoured. He goes to war mastering both the mansions: to him both portions of the world are gracious.

16
Your guiles, ye Holy Ones, to quell oppressors, your snares spread out against the foe, Adityas, May I car-borne pass like a skilful horseman: uninjured may we dwell in spacious shelter.

17
May

1
not live, O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal, dear friend's destitution. King, may

1
never lack well-ordered riches. Lord may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.

HYMN XXVIII. Varuna

1
THIS laud of the self-radiant wise Aditya shall be supreme o'er all that is in greatness.

1
beg renown of Varuna the Mighty, the God exceeding kind to him who worships. 2, Having extolled thee. Varuna, with thoughtful care may we have high fortune in thy service, Singing thy praises like the fires at coming, day after day, of mornings rich in cattle.

3
May we be in thy keeping, O thou Leader wide-ruling Varuna, Lord of many heroes. O sons of Aditi, for ever faithful, pardon us, Gods, admit us to your friendship.

4
He made them flow, the Aditya, the Sustainer: the rivers run by Varuna's commandment. These feel no weariness, nor cease from flowing: swift have they flown like birds in air around us.

5
Loose me from sin as from a bond that binds me: may we swell, Varuna, thy spring of Order. Let not my thread, while I weave song, be severed, nor my work's sum, before the time, be shattered.

6
Far from me, Varuna, remove all danger accept me graciously, thou Holy Sovran. Cast off, like cords that hold a calf, my troubles: I am not even mine eyelid's lord without thee.

7
Strike us not, Varuna, with those dread weapons which, Asura, at thy bidding wound the sinner. Let us not pass away from light to exile. Scatter, that we may live, the men who hate us

8
O mighty Varuna, now and hereafter, even as of old, will we speak forth our worship. For in thyself, invincible God, thy statutes ne’er to be moved are fixed as on a mountain.

9
Move far from me what sins I have committed: let me not suffer, King, for guilt of others. Full many a morn remains to dawn upon us: in these, O Varuna, while we live direct us.

10
O King, whoever, be he friend or kinsman, hath threatened me affrighted in my slumber- If any wolf or robber fain would harm us, therefrom, O Varuna, give thou us protection. 11May I not live O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal dear friend's destitution. King, may I never lack well-ordered riches. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.

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