HYMN LIV. Indra.

1
I SING thy fame that, Maghavan, through thy Greatness the heavens and earth invoked thee in their terror, Thou, aiding Gods, didst quell the power of Dasas, what time thou holpest many a race, O Indra.

2
When thou wast roaming, waxen strong in body, telling thy might, Indra, among the people, All that men called thy battles was illusion: no foe hast thou to-day, nor erst hast found one.

3
Who are the Rsis, then, who comprehended before our time the bounds of all thy greatness? For from thy body thou hast generated at the same time the Mother and the Father.

4
Thou, Mighty Steer, hast four supremest natures, Asura natures that may ne'er be injured. All these, O Maghavan, thou surely knowest, wherewith thou hast performed thy great achievements.

5
Thou hast all treasures in thy sole possession, treasures made manifest and treasures hidden. Defer not thou, O Maghavan, my longing: thou, art Director, Indra, thou art Giver.

6
To him who set the light in things of splendour, and with all sweetness blent essential sweetness, To Indra hath this welcome hymn that strengthens been uttered by the votary Brhaduktha.

HYMN LV. Indra.

1
FAR is that secret name by which, in terror, the worlds invoked thee and thou gavest vigour The earth and heaven thou settest near each other, and Maghavan, madest bright thy Brother's Children.

2
Great is that secret name and far-extending, whereby thou madest all that is and shall be. The Five Tribes whom he loveth well have entered the light he loveth that was made aforetime.

3
He filled the heaven and earth and all between them, Gods five times sevenfold in their proper seasons. With four-and-thirty lights he looks around him, lights of one colour though their ways are divers.

4
As first among the lights, O Dawn, thou shonest, whereby thou broughtest forth the Stay of Increase, Great art thou, matchless is thine Asura nature, who, high above, art kin to those beneath thee.

5
The old hath waked the young Moon from his slumber who runs his circling course with many round him. Behold the Gods' high wisdom in its greatness: he who died yesterday to-day is living.

6
Strong is the Red Bird in his strength, great Hero, who from of old hath had no nest to dwell in. That which he knows is truth and never idle: he wins and gives the wealth desired of many.

7
Through these the Thunderer gained strong manly vigour, through whom he waxed in power to smite down Vrtra,- Who through the might of Indra's operation came forth as Gods in course of Law and Order.

8
All-strong, performing works with his companion, All-marking, rapid Victor, Curse-averter, The Hero, waxing, after draughts of Soma, blew far from heaven the Dasyus with his weapon.

HYMN LVI. Visvedevas.

1
HERE is one light for thee, another yonder: enter the third and he therewith united. Uniting with a body be thou welcome, dear to the Gods in their sublimest birthplace.

2
Bearing thy body, Vajin, may thy body afford us blessing and thyself protection. Unswerving, establish as it were in heaven thine own light as the mighty God's supporter.

3
Strong Steed art thou: go to the yearning Maidens with vigour, happily go to heaven and praises: Fly happily to the Gods with easy passage, according to the first and faithful statutes.

4
Part of their grandeur have the Fathers also gained: the Gods have seated mental power in them as Gods. They have embraced within themselves all energies, which, issuing forth, again into their bodies pass.

5
They strode through all the region with victorious might, establishing the old immeasurable laws. They compassed in their bodies all existing things, and streamed forth offspring in many successive forms.

6
In two ways have the sons established in his place the Asura who finds the light, by the third act, As fathers, they have set their heritage on earth, their offspring, as a thread continuously spun out.

7
As in a ship through billows, so through regions of air, with blessings, through toils and troubles Hath Brhaduktha brought his seed with glory, and placed it here and in the realms beyond us.

HYMN LVIL Visvedevas.

1
LET us not, Indra, leave the path, the Soma-presser's sacrifice: Let no malignity dwell with us.

2
May we obtain, completely wrought, the thread spun out to reach the Gods, That perfecteth the sacrifice.

3
We call the spirit hither with the Soma of our parted sires, Yea, with the Fathers' holy hymns.

4
Thy spirit come to thee again for wisdom, energy, and lire, That thou mayst long behold the sun!

5
O Fathers, may the Heavenly Folk give us our spirit once again, That we may be with those who live.

6
O Soma with the spirit still within us, blest with progeny, May we be busied in the law.

HYMN LVIII. Manas or Spirit.

1
THY spirit, that went far away to Yama to Vivasvan's Son, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.

2
Thy spirit, that went far away, that passed away to earth and heaven, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.

3
Thy spirit, that went far away, away to the four-cornered earth, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.

4
Thy spirit, that went far away to the four quarters of the world, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.

5
Thy spirit, that went far away, away unto the billowy sea, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.

6
Thy spirit, that went far away to beams of light that flash and flow, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.

7
Thy spirit, that went far away, went to the waters and the plants, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.

8
Thy spirit, that went far away, that visited the Sun and Dawn. We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.

9
Thy spirit, that went far away, away to lofty mountain heights, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.

10
Thy spirit, that went far away into this All, that lives and moves, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.

11
Thy spirit, that went far away to distant realms beyond our ken, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.

12
Thy spirit, that went far away to all that is and is to be, We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.

HYMN LIX. Nirrti and Others.

1
His life hath been renewed and carried forward as two men, car-borne, by the skilful driver. One falls, then seeks the goal with quickened vigour. Let Nirrti depart to distant places.

2
Here is the psalm for wealth, and food, in plenty: let us do many deeds to bring us glory. All these our doings shall delight the singer. Let Nirrti depart to distant places.

3
May we o'ercome our foes with acts of valour, as heaven is over earth, hills over lowlands. All these our deeds the singer hath considered. Let Nirrti depart to distant places.

4
Give us not up as prey to death, O Soma still let us look upon the Sun arising. Let our old age with passing days be kindly. Let Nirrti depart to distant places.

5
O Asuniti, keep the soul within us, and make the days we have to live yet longer. Grant that we still may look upon the sunlight: strengthen thy body with the oil we bring thee.

6
Give us our sight again, O Asuniti, give us again our breath and our enjoyment. Long may we look upon the Sun uprising; O Anumati, favour thou and bless us.

7
May Earth restore to us our vital spirit, may Heaven the Goddess and mid-air restore it. May Soma give us once again our body, and Pusan show the Path of peace and comfort.

8
May both Worlds bless Subandhu, young Mothers of everlasting Law. May Heaven and Earth uproot and sweep iniquity and shame away: nor sin nor sorrow trouble thee.

9
Health-giving medicines descend sent down from heaven in twos and threes, Or wandering singly on the earth. May Heaven and Earth uproot and sweep iniquity and shame away: nor sin nor sorrow trouble thee.

10
Drive forward thou the wagon-ox, O Indra, which brought Usinarani's wagon hither. May Heaven and Earth uproot and sweep iniquity and shame away: nor sin nor sorrow trouble thee.

HYMN LX. Asamati and Others.-

1
BRINGING our homage we have come to one magnificent in look. Glorified of the mighty Gods

2
To Asamati, spring of gifts, lord of the brave, a radiant car, The conqueror of Bhajeratha

3
Who, when the spear hath armed his hand, or even weaponless o'erthrows Men strong as buffaloes in fight;

4
Him in whose service flourishes Iksvaku, rich and dazzling-bright. As the Five Tribes that are in heaven.

5
Indra, support the princely power of Rathaprosthas matched by none, Even as the Sun for all to see.

6
Thou for Agastya's sister's sons yokest thy pair of ruddy steeds. Thou troddest niggards under foot, all those, O King, who brought no gifts.

7
This is the mother, this the sire, this one hath come to be thy life. What brings thee forth is even this. Now come, Subandhu, get thee forth.

8
As with the leather thong they bind the chariot yoke to hold it fast, So have I held thy spirit fast, held it for life and not for death, held it for thy security.

9
Even as this earth, the mighty earth, holds fast the monarchs of the wood. So have I held thy spirit fast, held it for life and not for death, held it for thy security.

10
Subandlin's spirit I have brought from Yarna, from Vivasvan's Son, Brought it for life and not for death, yea, brought it for security.

11
The wind blows downward from on high, downward the Sun-God sends his heat, Downward the milch-cow pours her milk: so downward go thy pain and grief.

12
Felicitous is this mine hand, yet more felicitous is this. This hand contains all healing balms, and this makes whole with gentle touch.

HYMN LXI. Visvedevas.

1
THE welcome speaker in the storm of battle uttered with might this prayer to win the Asvins, When the most liberal God, for Paktha, rescued his parents, and assailed the seven Hotras.

2
Cyavana, purposing deceptive presents, with all ingredients, made the altar ready. Most sweet-voiced Turvayana poured oblations like floods of widely fertilizing water.

3
To his oblations, swift as thought, ye hurried, and welcomed eagerly the prayers he offered. With arrows in his hand the Very Mighty forced from him all obedience of a servant.

4
I call on you the Sons of Dyaus, the Asvins, that a dark cow to my red kine be added. Enjoy my sacrifice, come to my viands contented, not deceiving expectation. '

10
Uttering praise to suit the rite Navagvas came speedily to win the damsel's friendship. They who approached the twice-strong stable's keeper, meedless would milk the rocks that naught had shaken.

11
Swift was new friendship with the maid they quickly accepted it as genuine seed and bounty. Milk which the cow Sabardugha had yielded was the bright heritage which to thee they offered.

12
When afterwards they woke- and missed the cattle, the speaker thus in joyful mood addressed them: Matchless are singers through the Vasu's nature; he bringeth them all food and all possessions.

13
His followers then who dwelt in sundry places came and desired too slay the son of Nrsad. Resistless foe, be found the hidden treasure of Susna multiplied in numerous offspring.

Continued...

14
Thou, called Effulgence, in whose threefold dwelling, as in the light of heaven, the Gods are sitting, Thou who art called Agni or Jatavedas, Priest, hear us, guileless Priest of holy worship.

15
And, Indra, bring, that I may laud and serve them, those Two resplendent glorious Nasatyas, Blithe, bounteous, man-like, to the sacrificer, honoured among our men with offered viands.

16
This King is praised and honoured as Ordainer: himself the bridge, the Sage speeds o'er the waters. He hath stirred up Kaksivan, stirred up Agni, as the steed's swift wheel drives the felly onward.

17
Vaitarana, doubly kinsman, sacrificer, shall milk the cow who ne'er hath calved, Sabardhu, When I encompass Varuna and Mitra with lauds, and Aryaman in safest shelter.

18
Their kin, the Prince in heaven, thy nearest kinsman, turning his thought to thee thus speaks in kindness: This is our highest bond: I am his offspring. How many others came ere I succeeded?

19
Here is my kinship, here the place I dwell in: these are my Gods; I in full strength am present. Twice-born am I, the first-born Son of Order: the Cow milked this when first she had her being.

20
So mid these tribes he rests, the friendly envoy, borne on two paths, refulgent Lord of fuel. When, like a line, the Babe springs up erectly, his Mother straight hath borne him strong to bless us.

21
Then went the milch-kine forth to please the damsel, and for the good of every man that liveth. Hear us, O wealthy Lord; begin our worship. Thou hast grown mighty through Asvaghna's virtues.

22
And take thou notice of us also, Indra, for ample riches, King whose arm wields thunder! Protect our wealthy nobles, guard our princes unmenaced near thee, Lord of Tawny Coursers.

23
When he goes forth, ye Pair of Kings, for booty, speeding to war and praise to please the singer,- I was the dearest sage of those about him,-let him lead these away and bring them safely.

24
Now for this noble man's support and comfort, singing with easy voice we thus implore thee: Impetuous be his son and fleet his courser: and may I be his priest to win him glory.

25
If, for our strength, the priest with adoration to win your friendship made the laud accepted, That laud shall be a branching road to virtue for every one to whom the songs are suited.

26
Glorified thus, with holy hymns and homage:-Of noble race, with Waters, God-attended May he enrich us for our prayers and praises: now can the cow be milked; the path is open.

27
Be to us, then, ye Gods who merit worship, be ye of one accord our strong protection, Who went on various ways and brought us vigour, ye who are undeceivable explorers.

HYMN LXII. Visvedevas, Etc.

1
YE, who, adorned with guerdon through the sacrifice, have won you Indra's friendship and eternal life, Even to you be happiness, Angirases. Welcome the son of Manu, ye who are most wise.

2
The Fathers, who drave forth the wealth in cattle, have in the year's courses cleft Vala by Eternal Law: A lengthened life be yours, O ye Angirases. Welcome the son of Manu, ye who are most wise.

3
Ye raised the Sun to heaven by everlasting Law, and spread broad earth, the Mother, out on every side. Fair wealth of progeny be yours, Angirases. Welcome the son of Manu, ye who are most wise.

4
This kinsman in your dwellingplace speaks pleasant words: give car to this, ye Rsis, children of the Gods. High Brahman dignity be yours, Angirases. Welcome the son of Manu, ye who are most wise.

5
Distinguished by their varied form, these Rsis have been deeply moved. These are the sons of Angirases: from Agni have they sprung to life.

6
Distinguished by their varied form, they sprang from Agni, from the sky. Navagva and Dasagva, noblest Angiras, he giveth bounty with the Gods.

7
With Indra for associate the priests have cleared the stable full of steeds and kine, Giving to me a thousand with their eightmarked cars, they gained renown among the Gods.

8
May this man's sons be multiplied; like springing corn may Manu grow, Who gives at once in bounteous gift a thousand kine, a hundred steeds.

9
No one attains to him, as though a man would grasp the heights of heaven. Savarnya's sacrificial meed hath broadened like an ample flood.

10
Yadu and Turva, too, have given two Dasas, well-disposed, to serve, Together with great store of kine.

11
Blest be the hamlet's chief, most liberal Manu, and may his bounty rival that of Surya. May the God let Ssvarni's life be lengthened, with whom, unwearied, we have lived and prospered.

HYMN LXIII. Visvedevas.

1
MAY they who would assume kinship from far away, Vivasvan's generations, dearly loved of men, Even the Gods who sit upon the sacred grass of Nahusa's son Yayati, bless and comfort us.

2
For worthy of obeisance, Gods, are all your names, worthy of adoration and of sacrifice. Ye who were born from waters, and from Aditi, and from the earth, do ye here listen to my call.

3
I will rejoice in these Adityas for my weal, for whom the Mother pours forth water rich in balm, And Dyaus the Infinite, firm as a rock, sweet milk,-Gods active, strong through lauds, whose might the Bull upholds.

4
Looking on men, ne'er slumbering, they by their deserts attained as Gods to lofty immortality. Borne on refulgent cars, sinless, with serpents' powers, they robe them, for our welfare, in the height of heaven.

5
Great Kings who bless us, who have come to sacrifice, who, ne'er assailed, have set their mansion in the sky,- These I invite with adoration and with hymns, mighty Adityas, Aditi, for happiness.

6
Who offereth to you the laud that ye accept, O ye All-Gods of Manu, many as ye are? Who, Mighty Ones, will prepare for you the sacrifice to bear us over trouble to felicity?

7
Ye to whom Manu, by seven priests, with kindled fire, offered the first oblation with his heart and soul, Vouchsafe us, ye Adityas, shelter free from fear, and make us good and easy paths to happiness.

8
Wise Deities, who have dominion o'er the world, ye thinkers over all that moves not and that moves, Save us from uncommitted and committed sin, preserve us from all sin to-day for happiness.

9
In battles we invoke Indra still swift to hear, and all the holy Host of Heaven who banish grief, Agni, Mitra, and Varuna that we may gain, Dyays, Bhaga, Maruts, Prthivi for happiness:

10
Mightily-saving Earth, incomparable Heaven the good guide Aditi who gives secure defence The well-oared heavenly Ship that lets no waters in, free from defect, will we ascend for happiness.

11
Bless us, all Holy Ones, that we may have your help, guard and protect us from malignant injury. With fruitful invocation may we call on you, Gods, who give ear to us for grace, for happiness.

12
Keep all disease afar and sordid sacrifice, keep off the wicked man's malicious enmity. Keep far away from us all hatred, O ye Gods, and give us ample shelter for our happiness.

13
Untouched by any evil, every mortal thrives, and, following the Law, spreads in his progeny. Whom ye with your good guidance, O Adityas, lead safely through all his pain and grief to happiness.

14
That which ye guard and grace in battle, O ye Gods, ye Maruts, where the prize is wealth, where heroes win, That conquering Car, O Indra, that sets forth at dawn, that never breaks, may we ascend for happiness.

15
Vouchsafe us blessing in our paths and desert tracts, blessing in waters and in battle, for the light; Blessing upon the wombs that bring male children forth, and blessing, O ye Maruts, for the gain of wealth.

16
The noblest Svasti with abundant riches, who comes to what is good by distant pathway,- May she at home and far away preserve us, and dwell with us under the Gods' protection

17
Thus hath the thoughtful sage, the son of Plati, praised you, O Aditi and all Adityas, Men are made rich by those who are Immortal: the Heavenly Folk have been extolled by Gaya.

HYMN LXIV. Visvedevas.

1
WHAT God, of those who hear, is he whose well-praised name we may record in this our sacrifice; and how? Who will be gracious? Who of many give us bliss? Who out of all the Host will come to lend us aid?

2
The will and thoughts within my breast exert their power: they yearn with love, and fly to all the regions round. None other comforter is found save only these: my longings and my hopes are fixt upon the Gods.

3
To Narasamsa and to Pusan I sing forth, unconcealable Agni kindled by the Gods. To Sun and Moon, two Moons, to Yama in the heaven, to Trita, Vata, Dawn, Night, and the Atvins Twain.

4
How is the Sage extolled whom the loud singers praise? What voice, what hymn is used to laud Brhaspati? May Aja-Ekapad with Rkvans swift to hear, and Ahi of the Deep listen unto our call.

5
Aditi, to the birth of Daksa and the vow thou summonest the Kings Mitra and Varuna. With course unchecked, with many chariots Aryaman comes with the seven priests to tribes of varied sort.

6
May all those vigorous Coursers listen to our cry, hearers of invocation, speeding on their way; Winners of thousands where the priestly meed is won, who gather of themselves great wealth in every race.

7
Bring ye Purandbi, bring Vayu who yokes his steeds, for friendship bring ye Pusan with your songs of praise: They with one mind, one thought attend the sacrifice, urged by the favouring aid of Savitar the God.

8
The thrice-seven wandering Rivers, yea, the mighty floods, the forest trees, the mountains, Agni to our aid, Krsanu, Tisya, archers to our gathering-place, and Rudra strong amid the Rudras we invoke.

9
Let the great Streams come hither with their mighty help, Sindhu, Sarasvati, and Sarayu with waves. Ye Goddess Floods, ye Mothers, animating all, promise us water rich in fatness and in balm.

10
And let Brhaddiva, the Mother, hear our call, and Tvastar, Father, with the Goddesses and Dames. Rbhuksan, Vaja, Bhaga, and Rathaspati, and the sweet speech of him who labours guard us well!

11
Pleasant to look on as a dwelling rich in food is the blest favour of the Maruts, Rudra's Sons. May we be famed among the folk for wealth in kine. and ever come to you, ye Gods, with sacred food.

12
The thought which ye, O Maruts, Indra and ye Gods have given to me, and ye, Mitra and Varuna,- Cause this to grow and swell like a milchcow with milk. Will ye not bear away my songs upon your car?

13
O Maruts, do ye never, never recollect and call again to mind this our relationship? When next we meet together at the central point, even there shall Aditi confirm our brotherhood.

14
The Mothers, Heaven and Earth, those mighty Goddesses, worthy of sacrifice, ecune [sic] with the race of Gods. These Two with their support uphold both Gods and men, and with the Fathers pour the copious genial stream.

15
This invocation wins all good that we desire Brhaspati, highly-praised Aramati, are here, Even where the stone that presses meath rings loudly out, and where the sages make their voices heard with hymns.

16
Thus hath the sage, skilled in loud singers' duties, desiring riches, yearning after treasure, Gaya, the priestly singer, with his praises and hymns contented the Celestial people.

17
Thus hath the thoughtful sage the son of Plati, praised you, O Aaiti and all Adityas. Men are made rich by those who are Immortal: the Heavenly Folk have been extolled by Gaya.

HYMN LXV. Visvedevas.

2
Indra and Agni, Hero-lords when Vrtra fell, dwelling together, speeding emulously on, And Soma blent with oil, putting his greatness forth, have with their power filled full the mighty firmament.

3
Skilled in the Law I lift the hymn of praise to these, Law-strengtheners, unassailed, and great in majesty. These in their wondrous bounty send the watery sea: may they as kindly Friends send gifts to make us great.

4
They with their might have stayed Heaven, Earth, and Prthivi, the Lord of Light, the firmament, -the lustrous spheres. Even as fleet-foot steeds who make their masters glad, the princely Gods are praised, most bountiful to man.

5
Bring gifts to Mitra and to Varuna who, Lords of all, in spirit never fail the worshipper, Whose statute shines on high through everlasting Law, whose places of sure refuge are the heavens and earth.

6
The cow who yielding milk goes her appointed way hither to us as leader of holy rites, Speaking aloud to Varuna and the worshipper, shall with oblation serve Vivasvan and the Gods.

7
The Gods whose tongue is Agni dwell in heaven, and sit, aiders of Law, reflecting, in the seat of Law. They propped up heaven and then brought waters with their might, got sacrifice and in a body made it fair.

8
Born in the oldest time, the Parents dwelling round are sharers of one mansion in the home of Law. Bound by their common vow Dyaus, Prthivi stream forth the moisture rich in oil to Varuna the Steer.

9
Parjanya, Vata, mighty, senders of the rain, Indra and Vayu, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman: We call on Aditi, Adityas, and the Gods, those who are on the earth, in waters, and in heaven.

10
Tvastar and Vayu, those who count as Rbhus, both celestial Hotar-priests, and Dawn for happiness, Winners of wealth, we call, and wise Brhaspati, destroyer of our foes, and Soma Indra's Friend.

11
They generated prayer, the cow, the horse, the plants, the forest trees, the earth, the waters, and the hills. These very bounteous Gods made the Sun mount to heaven, and spread the righteous laws of Aryas o'er the land.

12
O Asvins, ye delivered Bhujyu from distress, ye animated Syava, Vadhrmati's son. To Vimada ye brought his consort Kamadyu, and gave his lost Visnapu back to Visvaka.

13
Thunder, the lightning's daughter, Aja-Ekapad, heaven's bearer, Sindhu, and the waters of the sea: Hear all the Gods my words, Sarasvati give ear together with Purandhi and with Holy Thoughts.

14
With Holy Thoughts and with Purandhi may all Gods, knowing the Law immortal, Manu's Holy Ones, Boon-givers, favourers, finders of light, and Heaven, with gracious love accept my songs, my prayer, my hymn.

15
Immortal Gods have I, Vasistha, lauded, Gods set on high above all other beings. May they this day grant us wide space and freedom: ye Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.

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