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English translation of
Holy Vedas - Rig Veda

English translation by Ralph T.H. Griffith
taken from http://www.hinduwebsite.com/sacredscripts/

Book 08 Part 04


HYMN XXVII. Visvedevas.

1
CHEIF Priest is Agni at the laud, as stones and grass at sacrifice: With song I seek the Maruts, Brahmanaspati, Gods for help much to be desired.

2
I sing to cattle and to Earth, to trees, to Dawns, to Night, to plants. O all ye Vasus, ye possessors of all wealth, be ye the furtherers of our thoughts.

3
Forth go, with Agni, to the Gods our sacrifice of ancient use, To the Adityas, Varuna whose Law stands fast, and the all-lightening Marut troop.

4
Lords of all wealth, may they be strengtheners of man, destroyers of his enemies. Lords of all wealth, do ye, with guards which none may harm, preserve our dwelling free from foes.

5
Come to us with one mind to-day, come to us all with one accord, Maruts with holy song, and, Goddess Aditi, Mighty One, to our house and home.

6
Send us delightful things, ye Maruts, on your steeds: come ye, O Mitra, to our gifts. Let Indra, Varuna, and the Adityas sit, swift Heroes, on our sacred grass.

7
We who have trimmed the grass for you, and set the banquet in array, And pressed the Soma, call you, Varuna, like men, with sacrificial fires aflame.

8
O Maruts, Visnu, Asvins, Pusan, haste away with minds turned hitherward to Me. Let the Strong Indra, famed as Vrtra's slayer, come first with the winners of the spoil.

9
Ye Guileless Gods, bestow on us a refuge strong on every side, A sure protection, Vasus, unassailable from near at hand or from afar.

10
Kinship have I with you, and close alliance O ye Gods, destroyers of our foes. Call us to our prosperity of former days, and soon to new klicity.

11
For now have I sent forth to you, that I may win a fair reward, Lords of all wealth, with homage, this my song of praise. like a milch-cow that faileth not.

12
Excellent Savitar hath mounted up on high for you, ye sure and careful Guides. Bipeds and quadrupeds, with several hopes and aims, and birds have settled to their tasks.

13
Singing their praise with God-like thought let us invoke each God for grace, Each God to bring you help, each God to strengthen you.

14
For of one spirit are the Gods with mortal man, co-sharers all of gracious gifts. May they increase our strength hereafter and to-day, providing case and ample room.

15
I laud you, O ye Guileless Gods, here where we meet to render praise. None, Varuna and Mitra, harins the mortal, man who honours and obeys your laws.

16
He makes his house endure, he gathers plenteous food who pays obedience to your will. Born in his sons anew he spreads as Law commands, and prospers every way unharmed.

17
E'en without war he gathers wealth, and goes his way on pleasant paths, Whom Mitra, Varuna and Aryaman protect, sharing the gift,of one accord.

18
E'en on the plain for him ye make a sloping path, an easy way where road is none: And far away from him the ineffectual shaft must vanish, shot at him in vain.

19
If ye appoint the rite to-day, kind Rulers, when the Sun ascends, Lords of all wealth, at sunset or at waking time, or be it at the noon of day,

20
Or, Asuras, when ye have sheltered the worshipper who goes to sacrifice, at eve may we, O Vasus, ye possessors of all wealth, come then into the midst of You.

21
If ye to-day at sunrise, or at noon, or in the gloom of eve, Lords of all riches, give fair treasure to the man, the wise man who hath sacrificed,

22
Then we, imperial Rulers, claim of you this boon, your wide protection, as a son. May we, Adityas, offering holy gifts, obtain that which shall bring us greater bliss.

HYMN XXVIII. Visvedevas.

1
THE Thirty Gods and Three besides, whose seat hath been the sacred grass, From time of old have found and gained.

2
Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Agnis, with Consorts, sending boons, To whom our Vasat! is addressed:

3
These are our guardians in the west, and northward here, and in the south, And on the cast, with all the tribe.

4
Even as the Gods desire so verily shall it be. None minisheth this power of theirs, No demon, and no mortal

5
The Seven carry seven spears; seven are the splendours they possess, And seven the glories they assume.

HYMN XXIX Visvedevas.

1
ONE is a youth brown, active, manifold he decks the golden one with ornament.

2
Another, luminous, occupies the place of sacrifice, Sage, among the Gods.

3
One brandishes in his hand an iron knife, firm, in his seat amid the Deities.

4
Another holds the thunderbolt, wherewith he slays the Vrtras, resting in his hand.

5
Another bears a pointed weapon: bright is he, and strong, with healing medicines.

6
Another, thief-like, watches well the ways, and knows the places where the treasures lie.

7
Another with his mighty stride hath made his three steps thither where the Gods rejoice.

8
Two with one Dame ride on with winged steeds, and journey forth like travellers on their way.

9
Two, highest, in the heavens have set their seat, worshipped with holy oil, imperial Kings.

10
Some, singing lauds, conceived the Sama-hymn, great hymn whereby they caused the Sun to shine.

HYMN XXX. Visvedevas.

1
NOT one of you, ye Gods, is small, none of you is a feeble child: All of you, verily, are great.

2
Thus be ye lauded, ye destroyers of the foe, ye Three-and-Thirty Deities, The Gods of man, the Holy Ones.

3
As such defend and succour us, with benedictions speak to us: Lead us not from our fathers' and from Manu's path into the distance far away.

4
Ye Deities who stay with us, and all ye Gods of all mankind, Give us your wide protection, give shelter for cattle and for steed.

HYMN XXXI. Various Deities.

1
THAT Brahman pleases Indra well, who worships, sacrifices, pours Libation, and prepares the meal.

2
Sakra protects from woe the man who gives him sacrificial cake. And offers Soma blent with milk.

3
His chariot shall be glorious, sped by Gods, and mighty shall he be, Subduing all hostilities.

4
Each day that passes, in his house flows his libation, rich in milk, Exhaustless, bringing progeny.

5
O Gods, with constant draught of milk, husband and wife with one accord Press out and wash the Soma juice.

6
They gain sufficient food: they come united to the sacred grass, And never do they fail in strength.

7
Never do they deny or seek to hide the favour of the Gods: They win high glory for themselves.

8
With sons and daughters by their side they reach their full extent of life, Both decked with ornaments of gold.

9
Serving the Immortal One with gifts of sacrificial meal and wealth, They satisfy the claims of love and pay due honour to the Gods.

10
We claim protection from the Hills, we claim protection of the Floods, Of him who stands by Visnu's side.

11
May Pusan come, and Bhaga, Lord of wealth, All-bounteous, for our weal Broad be the path that leads to bliss:

12
Aramati, and, free from foes, Visva with spirit of a God, And the Adityas' peerless might.

13
Seeing that Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuna are guarding us, The paths of Law are fair to tread.

14
I glorify with song, for wealth, Agni the God, the first of you. We honour as a well-loved Friend the God who prospereth our fields.

15
As in all frays the hero, so swift moves his car whom Gods attend. The man who, sacrificing, strives to win the heart of Deities will conquer those who worship not.

16
Ne'er are ye injured, worshipper, presser of juice, or pious man. The man who, sacrificing, strives to win the heart of Deities will conquer those who worship not.

17
None in his action equals him, none holds him far or keeps him off. The man who, sacrificing, strives to win the heart of Deities will conquer those who worship not.

18
Such strength of heroes shall be his, such mastery of fleet-foot steeds. The man who, sacrificing, strives to win the heart of Deities will conquer those who worship not.

HYMN XXXII. Indra.

1
KANVAS, tell forth with song the deeds of Indra, the Impetuous, Wrought in the Soma's wild delight.

2
Strong God, he slew Anarsani, Srbinda, Pipru, and the fiend, Ahisuva, and loosed the floods.

3
Thou broughtest down the dwelling-place, the height of lofty Arbuda. That exploit, Indra, must be famed.

4
Bold, to your famous Soma I call the fair-visored God for aid, Down like a torrent from the hill.

5
Rejoicing in the Soma-draughts, Hero, burst open, like a fort, The stall of horses and of kine.

6
If my libation gladdens, if thou takest pleasure in my laud, Come with thy Godhead from afar.

7
O Indra, Lover of the Song, the singers of thy praise are we: O Soma-drinker, quicken us.

8
And, taking thy delight with us bring us still undiminished food: Great is thy wealth, O Maghavan.

9
Make thou us rich in herds of kine, in steeds, in gold: let us exert Our strength in sacrificial gifts.

10
Let us call him to aid whose hands stretch far, to whom high laud is due. Who worketh well to succour us.

11
He, Satakratu, even in fight acts as a Vrtra-slayer s,till: He gives his worshippers much wealth.

12
May he, this A;akra, strengthen us, Boon God who satisfies our needs, Indra, with all this saving helps.

13
To him, the mighty stream of wealth, the Soma-presser's rescuing Friend, To Indra sing your song of praise;

14
Who bringeth what is great and firm, who winneth glory in his wars, Lord of vast wealth through power and might.

15
There liveth none to cheek or stay his energies and gracious deeds: None who can say, He giveth not.

16
No debt is due by Brahmans now, by active men who press the juice: Well hath each Soma-draught been paid.

17
Sing ye to him who must be praised, say lauds to him who must be praised, Bring prayer to him who must be praised.

18
May be, unchecked, strong, meet for praise, bring hundreds, thousands forth to light, Indra who aids the worshipper.

19
Go with thy God-like nature forth, go where the folk are calling thee: Drink, Indra, of the drops we pour.

20
Drink milky draughts which are thine own, this too which was with Tugrya once, This is it, Indra, that is thine.

21
Pass him who pours libations out in angry mood or after sin: Here drink the juice we offer thee.

22
Over the three great distances, past the Five Peoples go thy way, O Indra, noticing our voice.

23
Send forth thy ray like Surya: let my songs attract thee hitherward, Like waters gathering to the vale.

24
Now to the Hero fair of cheek, Adhvaryu, pour the Soma forth: Bring of the juice that he may drink

25
Who cleft the water-cloud in twain, loosed rivers for their downward flow, And set the ripe milk in the kine.

26
He, meet for praise, slew Vrtra, slew Ahisuva, Urnavabha's son, And pierced th:rough Arbuda with frost.

27
To him your matchless Mighty One, unconquerable Conqueror, Sing forth the prayer which Gods have given:

28
Indra, who in the wild delight of Soma juice considers here All holy Laws among the Gods.

29
Hither let these thy Bays who share thy banquet, Steeds with golden manes, Convey thee to the feast prepared.

30
Hither, O thou whom many laud, the Bays whom Priyamedha praised, Shall bring thee to the Soma-draught.

HYMN XXXIII. Indra.

1
WE compass thee like waters, we whose grass is trimmed and Soma pressed. Here where the filter pours its stream, thy worshippers round thee, O Vrtra-slayer, sit.

2
Men, Vasu! by the Soma, with lauds call thee to the foremost place: When comest thou athirst unto the juice as home, O Indra, like a bellowing bull?

3
Boldly, Bold Hero, bring us spoil in thousands for the Kanvas' sake. O active Maghavan, with eager prayer we crave the yellow-hued with store of kine.

4
Medhyatithi, to Indra sing, drink of the juice to make thee glad. Close-knit to his Bay Steeds, bolt-armed, beside the juice is he: his chariot is of gold.

5
He Who is praised as strong of hand both right and left, most wise and hold: Indra who, rich in hundreds, gathers thousands up, honoured as breaker-down of forts.

6
The bold of heart whom none provokes, who stands in bearded confidence; Much-lauded, very glorious, overthrowing foes, strong Helper, like a bull with might.

7
Who knows what vital power he wins, drinking beside the flowing juice? This is the fair-checked God who, joying in the draught, breaks down the castles in his strength.

8
As a wild elephant rushes on this way and that way, mad with heat,' None may compel thee, yet come hither to the draught: thou movest mighty in thy power.

9
When he, the Mighty, ne'er o'erthrown, steadfast, made ready for the fight, When Indra Maghavan lists to his praiser's call, he will not stand aloof, but come.

10
Yea, verily, thou art a Bull, with a bull's rush. whom none may stay: Thou Mighty One, art celebrated as a Bull, famed as a Bull both near and far.

11
Thy reins are very bulls in strength, bulls' strength is in thy golden whip. Thy car, O Maghavan, thy Bays are strong as bulls: thou, Satakratu, art a Bull.

12
Let the strong presser press for thee. Bring hither, thou straight-rushing Bull. The mighty makes the mighty run in flowing streams for thee whom thy Bay Horses bear.

13
Come, thou most potent Indra, come to drink the savoury Soma juice. Maghavan, very wise, will quickly come to hear the songs, the prayer, the hymns of praise.

14
When thou hast mounted on thy car let thy yoked Bay Steeds carry thee, Past other men's libations, Lord of Hundred Powers, thee, Vrtra-slayer, thee our Friend.

15
O thou Most Lofty One, accept our laud as nearest to thine heart. May our libations be most sweet to make thee glad, O Soma-drinker, Heavenly Lord.

16
Neither in thy decree nor mine, but in another's he delights,- The man who brought us unto this.

Continued...

17
Indra himself hath said, The mind of woman brooks not discipline, Her intellect hath little weight.

18
His pair of horses, rushing on in their wild transport, draw his car: High-lifted is the stallion's yoke.

19
Cast down thine eyes and look not up. More closely set thy feet. Let none See what thy garment veils, for thou, a Brahman, hast become a dame.

HYMN XXXIV. Indra.

1
Come hither, Indra, with thy Bays, come thou to Kanva's eulogy. Ye by command of yonder Dyaus, God bright by day! have gone to heaven.

2
May the stone draw thee as it speaks, the Soma-stone with ringing voice. Ye by command of yonder Dyaus, God bright by day! have gone to heaven.

3
The stones' rim shakes the Soma here like a wolf worrying a sheep. Ye by command of yonder Dyaus, God bright by day! have gone to heaven.

4
The Kanvas call thee hitherward for succour and to win the spoil. Ye by command of yonder Dyaus, God bright by day! have gone to heaven.

5
I set for thee, as for the Strong, the first draught of the juices shed.

6
Come with abundant blessings, come with perfect care to succour us.

7
Come, Lord of lofty thought, who hast infinite wealth and countless aids.

8
Adorable mid Gods, the Priest good to mankind shall bring thee near.

9
As wings the falcon, so thy Bays rushing in joy shall carry thee.

10
Come from the enemy to us, to svaha and the Soma-draught.

11
Come hither with thine car inclined to hear, take pleasure in our lauds.

12
Lord of well-nourished Horses, come with well-fed Steeds alike in hue.

13
Come hither from the mountains, come from regions of the sea of air.

14
Disclose to us O Hero, wealth in thousands both of kine and steeds.

15
Bring riches hitherward to us in hundreds, thousands, myriads. Ye by command of yonder Dyaus, God bright by day! have gone to heaven.

16
The thousand steeds, the mightiest troop, which we and Indra have received From Vasurocis as a gift,

17
The brown that match the wind in speed, and bright bay coursers fleet of foot, Like Suns, resplendent are they all.

18
Mid the Pargvata's rich gifts, swift steeds whose wheels run rapidly, I seemed to stand amid a wood.

HYMN XXXV. Asvins.

1
WITH Agni and with Indra, Visnu. Varuna, with the Adityas, Rudras, Vasus, closely leagued; Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, drink the Soma juice.

2
With all the Holy Thoughts, all being Mighty Ones! in close alliance with the Mountains, Heaven, and Earth; Accordant. of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, drink the Soma juice.

3
With all the Deities, three times eleven, here, in close alliance with the Maruts, Bhrgus, Floods; Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, drink the Soma juice.

4
Accept the sacrifice, attend to this my call: come nigh, O ye Twain Gods, to all libations here. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, bring us strengthening food.

5
Accept our praise-song as a youth accepts a maid. Come nigh, O ye Twain Gods, to all libations here. Accordant, of one mind with Sarya and with Dawn O Asvins, bring us strengthening food.

6
Accept the songs we sing, accept the solemn rite. Come nigh, O ye Twain Gods, to all libations here. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, bring us strengthening food.

7
Ye fly as starlings fly unto the forest trees; like buffaloes ye seek the Soma we have shed. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, come thrice, O Asvins, to our home.

8
Ye fly like swans, like those who travel on their way; like buffaloes ye seek the Soma we have shed. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, come thrice, O Asvins, to our home.

9
Ye fly to our oblation like a pair of hawks; like buffaloes ye seek the Soma we have shed. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, come thrice, O Asvins, to our home.

10
Come hitherward and drink and satisfy yourselves, bestow upon us progeny and affluence. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, grant us vigorous strength.

11
Conquer your foes, protect us, praise your worshippers; bestow upon us progeny and affluence. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, grant us vigours strength.

12
Slay enemies, animate men whom ye befriend; bestow upon us progeny and affluence. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, grant us vigorous strength.

13
With Mitra, Varuna, Dharma, and the Maruts in your company approach unto your praiser's call. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, and with the Adityas, Asvins! come.

14
With Visnu and the Angirases attending you, and with the Maruts come unto your praiser's call. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, and with the Adityas, Asvins! come.

15
With Rbhus and With Vajas. O ye Mighty Ones, leagued with the Maruts come ye to your praiser's call. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, and with the Adityas, Asvins! come.

16
Give spirit to our prayer and animate our thoughts; slay ye the Raksasas and drive away disease. Accordant, of One mind with Surya and with Dawn, -the presser's Soma, Asvins drink.

17
Strengthen the Ruling Power, strengthen the men of war; slay ye the Raksasas and drive away disease. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, the presser's Soma, Asvins drink.

18
Give strength unto the milch-kine, give the people strength, slay ye the Raksasas and drive away disease. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, the presser's Soma, Asvins drink.

19
As ye heard Atri's earliest eulogy, so hear Syavasva, Soma-presser, ye who reel in joy. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, drink juice, O Asvins, three days old.

20
Further like running streams Syavasva's eulogies who presses out the Soma, ye who reel in joy. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, drink juice, O Asvins, three days old.

21
Seize, as ye grasp the reins, Syavasva's solemn rites who presses out the Soma, ye who reel in joy. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, drink juice, O Asvins, three days old.

22
Drive down your chariot hitherward drink ye the Soma's savoury juice. Approach, ye Asvins, come to us: I call you, eager for your aid. Grant treasures to the worshipper.

23
When sacrifice which tells our reverence hath begun. Heroes! to drink the gushing juice, Approach, ye Asvins, come to us: I call you, eager for your aid. Grant treasures to the worshipper.

24
Sate you with consecrated drink, with juice effused, ye Deities. Approach, ye Asvins, come to us: I call you, eager for your aid. Grant treasures to the worshipper.

HYMN XXXVI. Indra.

1
THOU helpest him whose grass is trimmed, who sheds the juice, O Satakratu, drink Soma to make thee glad. The share which they have fixed for thee, thou, Indra, Victor o'er all hosts and space, begirt [sic] with Maruts, Lord of Heroes, winner of the floods.

2
Maghavan, help thy worshipper: let him help thee. O Satakratu, drink Soma to make thee glad. The share which they have fixed for thee, etc.

3
Thou aidest Gods with food, and that with might aid thee, O Satakratu, drink Soma to make thee glad.

4
Creator of the heaven, creator of the earth, O Satakratu, drink Soma to make thee glad.

5
Father of cattle, father of all steeds art thou. O Satakratu, drink Soma to make thee glad.

6
Stone-hurler, glorify the Atris' hymn of praise. O Satakratu, drink Soma to make thee glad.

7
Hear thou Syavagva while he pours to thee, as erst thou heardest Atri when he wrought his holy rites. Indra, thou only gavest Trasadasyu aid in the fierce fight with heroes, strengthening his prayers.

HYMN XXXVIL Indra.

1
THIS prayer, and those who shed the juice, in wars with Vrtra thou helpest, Indra, Lord of Strength, with all thy succours. O Vrtra-slayer, from libation poured at noon, drink of the Soma juice, thou blameless Thunderer.

2
Thou mighty Conqueror of hostile armaments, O Indra, Lord of Strength, with all thy saving help.

3
Sole Ruler, thou art Sovran of this world of life, O Indra, Lord of Strength, with all thy saving help.

4
Thou only sunderest these two consistent worlds, O Indra, Lord of Strength, with all thy saving help.

5
Thou art the Lord supreme o'er rest and energy, O Indra, Lord of Strength, with all thy saving help.

6
Thou helpest one to power, and one thou hast not helped, O Indra, Lord of Strength, with all thy saving aid.

7
Hear thou Syavasva while he sings to thee, as erst thou heardest Atri when he wrought his holy rites. Indra, thou only gavest Trasadasyu aid in the fierce fight with heroes, strengthening his powers.

HYMN XXXVIII. Indra-Agni.

I. YE Twain are Priests of sacrifice, winners in war and holy works: Indra and Agni, mark this well.

2
Ye bounteous riders on the car, ye Vrtra-slayers unsubdued: Indra and Agni, mark this well.

3
The men with pressing-stones have pressed this meath of yours which gives delight: Indra, and Agni, mark this well.

4
Accept our sacrifice for weal, sharers of praise! the Soma shed: Indra and Agni, Heroes, come.

5
Be pleased with these libations which attract you to our sacred gifts Indra and Agni, Heroes, come.

6
Accept this eulogy of mine whose model is the Gayatri: Indra and Agni, Heroes, Come.

7
Come with the early-faring Gods, ye who are Lords of genuine wealth: Indra-Agni, to the Soma-draught

8
Hear ye the call of Atris, hear Syavasva as he sheds the juice: Indra-Agni to the Soma-draught

9
Thus have I called you to our aid as sages called on you of old: Indra-Agni to the Soma draught!

10
Indra's and Agni's grace I claim, Sarasvati's associates To whom this psalm of praise is sung.

HYMN XXXIX. Agni.

1
THE glorious Agni have I praised, and worshipped with. the sacred food. May Agni deck the Gods for us. Between both gathering-places he goes on his embassy, the Sage. May all the others die away.

2
Agni, burn down the word within their bodies through our newest speech, All hatreds of the godless, all the wicked man's malignities. Away let the destroyers go. May all the others die away.

3
Agni, I offer hymns to thee, like holy oil within thy mouth. Acknowledge them. among the Gods, for thou art the most excellent, the worshipper's blissful messenger. Let all the others die away.

4
Agni bestows all vital power even as each man supplicates. He brings the Vasus strengthening gifts, and grants delight, in rest and stir, for every calling on the Gods. Let all the others die away.

5
Agni hath made himself renowned by wonderful victorious act. He is the Priest of all the tribes, chosen with sacrificial meeds. He urges Deities to receive. Let all the others die away.

6
Agni knows all that springs from Gods, he knows the mystery of men. Giver of wealth is Agni, he uncloses both the doors to us when worshipped with our newest gift. Let all the others die away.

7
Agni inhabiteth with Gods and men who offer sacrifice. He cherisheth with great delight much wisdom, as all things that be, God among Gods adorable. May all the others die away.

8
Agni who liveth in all streams, Lord of the Sevenfold Race of men, Him dweller in three homes we seek, best slayer of the Dasytis for Mandhatar, first in sacrifice. Let all the others die away.

9
Agni the Wise inhabiteth three gathering-places, triply formed. Decked as our envoy let the Sage bring hither and conciliate the Thrice Eleven Deities. Let all the others die away.

10
Our Agni, thou art first among the Gods, and first mid living men. Thou only rulest over wealth. Round about thee, as natural dams, circumfluous the waters run. Let all the others die away.

HYMN XL. Indra-Agni.

1
INDRA and Agni, surely ye as Conquerors will give us wealth, Whereby in fight we may o'ercome that which is strong and firmly fixed, as Agni burns the woods with wind. Let all the others die away.

2
We set no snares to tangle you; Indra we worship and adore, Hero of heroes mightiest. Once may he come unto us with his Steed, come unto us to win us strength, and to complete the sacrifice.

3
For, famous Indra-Agni, ye are dwellers in the midst of frays. Sages in wisdom, ye are knit to him who seeketh you as friends. Heroes, bestow on him his wish.

4
Nabhaka-like, with sacred song Indra's and Agni's praise I sing, Theirs to whom all this world belongs, this heaven and this mighty earth which bear rich treasure in their lap.

5
To Indra and to Agni send your prayers, as was Nabhaka's wont,- Who oped with sideway opening the sea with its foundations seven-Indra all powerful in his might.

6
Tear thou asunder, as of old, like tangles of a creeping plant, Demolish thou the Dasa's might. May we with Indra's help divide the treasure he hath gathered up.

7
What time with this same song these men call Indra-Agni sundry ways, May we with our own heroes quell those who provoke us to the fight, and conquer those who strive with us.

8
The Two refulgent with their beams rise and come downward from the sky. By Indra's and by Agni's hest, flowing away, the rivers, run which they released from their restraint.

9
O Indra, many are thine aids, many thy ways of guiding us, Lord of the Bay Steeds, Hinva's Son. To a Good Hero come our prayers, which soon shall have accomplishment.

10
Inspire him with your holy hymns, the Hero bright and glorious, Him who with might demolisheth even the brood of Susna, and winneth for us the heavenly streams.

11
Inspire him worshipped with fair rites, the glorious Hero truly brave. He brake in pieces Susna's brood who still expected not the stroke, and won for us the heavenly streams. Let all the others die away.

12
Thus have we sung anew to Indra-Agni, as sang our sires, Angirases, and Mandhatar. Guard us with triple shelter and preserve us: may we be masters of a store of riches.

HYMN XLI. Varuna.

1
To make this Varuna come forth sing thou a song unto the band of Maruts wiser than thyself,- This Varuna who guardeth well the thoughts of men like herds of kine. Let all the others die away.

2
Him altogether praise I with the song and hymns our fathers sang, and with Nabhaka's eulogies,- Him dwelling at the rivers' source, surrounded by his Sisters Seven.

3
The nights he hath encompassed, and established the morns with magic art visible over all is he. His dear Ones, following his Law, have prospered the Three Dawns for him.

4
He, visible o'er all the earth, established the quarters of the sky: He measured out the eastern place, that is the fold of Varuna: like a strong herdsman is the God.

5
He who supports the worlds of life, he who well knows the hidden names mysterious of the morning beams, He cherishes much wisdom, Sage, as heaven brings forth each varied form.

6
In whom all wisdom centres, as the nave is set within the wheel. Haste ye to honour Trita, as kine haste to gather in the fold, even as they muster steeds to yoke.

7
He wraps these regions as a robe; he contemplates the tribes of Gods and all the works of mortal men. Before the home of Varuna all the Gods follow his decree.

8
He is an Ocean far-removed, yet through the heaven to him ascends the worship which these realms possess. With his bright foot he overthrew their magic, and went up to heaven.

9
Ruler, whose bright far-seeing rays, pervading all three earths, have filled the three superior realms of heaven. Firm is the seat of Varuna: over the Seven he rules as King.

10
Who, after his decree, o'erspread the Dark Ones with a robe of light; Who measured out the ancient seat, who pillared both the worlds apart as the Unborn supported heaven. Let all the others die away.

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-- Book 08 Part 04 --


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