Rig Veda – English Translation
HYMN XI. Agni.
1. THOU Agni, God mid mortal men, art guard of sacred rites, thou art To be adored at sacrifice.
2 O Mighty Agni, thou must be glorified at our festivals,
Bearing our offerings to the Gods.
3 O Jatavedas Agni, fight and drive our foes afar from us,
Themand their godless enmities.
4 Thou, Jatavedas, seekest not the worship of a hostile man,
However nigh itbe to thee.
5 We sages, mortals as we are, adore the mighty na me oof thee,
Immortal Jatavedas' name.
6 Sages, we call the Sage to help, mortals, we call the God to aid:
We call on Agni with our songs.
7 May Vatsa draw- thy mind away even from thy loftiest dwelling-place,
Agni, with song that yearns for thee.
8 Thou art the same in many a place: mid all the people thou art Lord.
In fray and fightt we call on thee.
9 When we are seeking strength we call Agni to help us in the strife,
The giver of rich gifts in war.
10 Ancient, adorablie at sacrifices, Priest from of old, meet for our praise, thou sittest.
Fill full and satisfy thy body, A gni, and win us happiness by offering worship.
HYMN XII. Indra.
1. JOY, Mightiest Indra, known and marked, sprung most from Soma-draughts, wherewith
Thou smitest down the greedy fiend, for that we long.
2 Wherewith thou bolpest Adhrigu, the great Dasagva, and the God
Who stirs the sunlight, and the sea, for that we long.
3 Wherewith thou dravest forth like cars Sindhu and all the mighty floods
To go the way ordained by Law, for that we long.
4 Accept this laud for aid, made pure like oil, thou Caster of the Stone,
Whereby even in a moment thou hast waxen great.
5 Be pleased, Song-lover, with this song it flows abundant like the sea.
Indra, with all thy succours thou hast waxen great.
6 The God who from afar hath sent gifts to maintain our friendship's bond,
Thou. spreading them like rain from heaven, hast waxen great.
7 The beams that mark him have grown strong, the thunder rests between his arms,
When, like the Sun, he hath increased both Heaven and Earth.
8 When, Mighty Lord of Heroes, thou didst cat a thousand buffaloes,
Then grew and waxed exceeding great thine Indra-power.
9 Indra consumeth with the rays of Surya the malicious man:
Like Agni conquering the woods, he hath grown strong.
10 This newest thought of ours that suits the time approaches unto thee:
Serving, beloved in many a place it metes and marks.
11 The pious germ of sacrifice directly purifies the soul.
By Indra's lauds it waxes great, it metes and marks.
12 Indra who wins the friend hath spread himself to drink the Soma-draught:
Rig Veda – English Translation
Like worshipper's dilating praise; it metes and marks.
13 He whom the sages, living men, have gladdened, offering up their hymns,
Hath swelled like oil of sacrifice in Agni's mouth.
14 Aditi also hath brought forth a hymn for Indra, Sovran Lord:
The work of sacrifice for help is glorified.
15 The ministering priests have sung their songs for aid and eulogy:
God, thy Bays turn not from the rite which Law ordains.
16 If, Indra, thou drink Soma by Visnu's or Trta Aptya's side,
Or with the Maruts take delight in flowing drops;
17 Or, Sakra, if thou gladden thee afar or in the sea of air,
Rejoice thee in this juice of ours, in flowing drops.
18 Or, Lord of Heroes if thou aid the worshipper who shed; the, juice,
Or him whose laud delights thee, and his flowing drops.
19 To magnify the God, the God, Indra, yea, Indra for your help,
And promptly end the sacrifice-this have they gained.
20 With worship, him whom men adore, with Soma, him who drinks it most,
Indra with lauds have they increasedthis have they gained.
21 His leadings are with power and might and his instructions manifold:
He gives the worshipper all wealth: this have they gained.
22 For slaying Vrtra have the Gods set Indra in the foremost place.
Indra the choral bands have sung, for vigorous strength.
23 We to the Mighty with our might, with lauds to him who hears our call,
With holy hymns have sung aloud, for vigorous strength.
24 Not earth, nor heaven, nor firmaments contain the Thunder-wielding God:
They shake before his violent rush and vigorous strength.
25 What time the Gods, O Indra, get thee foremost in the furious fight,
Then thy two beautiful Bay Steeds carried thee on.
26 When Vrtra, stayer of the floods, thou si"est, Thundeicr with might,
Then thy two beautiful Bay Steeds carried thee on.
27 When Visnu, through thine energy, strode wide those three great steps of his,
Then thy two beautiful Bay Steeds carried thee on.
28 When thy two beautiful Bay Steeds grew great and greater day by day,
Even then all creatures that had life bowed down to thee.
29 When, Indra, all the Marut folk humbly submitted them to thee,
Even then all creatures that had life bowed down to thee.
30 When yonder Sun, that brilliant light, thou settest in the heaven above,
Even then all creatures that had life bowed down to thee.
31 To thee, O Indra, with this thought the sage lifts up this eulogy,
Akin and leading as on foot to sacrifice.
32 When in thine own dear dwelling all gathered have lifted up the voice
Milk-streams at worship's central spot, for sacrifice,
33 As Priest, O Indra, give us wealth in brave men and good steeds ana kine
That we may first remember thee for sacrifice.
Rig Veda – English Translation
HYMN XIII. Indra.
1. INDRA, when Soma juices flow, makes his mind pure and meet for lauds.
He gains the power that brings success, for great is he.
2 In heaven's first region, in the seat of Gods, is he who brings success,
Most glorious, prompt to save, who wins the water-floods.
3 Him, to win strength, have I invoked, even Indra mighty for the fray.
Be thou most near to us for bliss, a Friend to aid.
4 Indra, Song -lover, here for thee the worshipper's libation flows.
Rejoicing in this sacred grass thou shinest forth.
5 Even now, O Indra, give us that which, pressing juice, we crave of thee.
Bring us wealth manifold which finds the light of heaven.
6 What time the zealous worshipper hath boldly sung his songs to thee,
Like branches of a tree up-grows what they desire.
7 Generate songs even as of old, give car unto the singer's call.
Thou for the pious hast grown great at each carouse.
8 Sweet strains that glorify him play like waters speeding down a slope,
Yea, him who in this song is called the Lord of Heaven;
9 Yea, who alone is called the Lord, the single Ruler of the folk,
By worshippers seeking aid: may he joy in the draught.
10 Praise him, the Glorious, skilled in song, Lord of the two victorious Bays:
They seek the worshipper's abode who bows in prayer.
11 Put forth thy strength: with dappled Steeds come, thou of mighty intellect,
With swift Steeds to the sacrifice, for 'tis thy joy.
12 Grant wealth to those who praise thee, Lord of Heroes, Mightiest Indra: give
Our princes everlasting fame and opulence.
13 I call thee when the Sun is risen, I call thee at the noon of day:
With thy car-horses, Indra, come wellpleased to us.
14 Speed forward hither, come to us, rejoice thee in the milky draught:
Spin out the thread of ancient time, as well is known.
15 If, Sakra, Vrtra-slayer, thou be far away or near to us.
Or in the sea, thou art the guard of Soma juice.
16 Let songs we sing and Soma-drops expressed by us make Indra strong:
The tribes who bring oblations find delight in him.
17 Him sages longing for his aid, with offerings brought in eager haste,
Him. even as branches, all mankind have made to grow.
18 At the Trkadrukas the Gods span sacrifice that stirred the mind:
May our songs strengthen him who still hath strengthened us.
19 When, true to duty, at due times the worshipper offers lauds to thee,
They call him Purifier, Pure, and Wonderful.
20 That mind of Rudra, fresh and strong, moves conscious in the ancient ways,
With reference whereto the wise have ordered this.
21 If thou elect to be my Friend drink of this sacrificial juice,
By help whereof we may subdue all enemies.
22 O Indra, Lover of the song, when shall thy praiser be most blest?
When wilt thou grant us wealth in herds of kine and steeds?
23 And thy two highIy-lauded Bays, strong stallions, draw thy car who art
Rig Veda – English Translation
Untouched by age, most gladdening car for which we pray.
24 With ancient offerings we implore the Young and Strong whom many praise.
He from of old hath sat upon dear sacred grass.
25 Wax miglity, thou whom many laud for aids which Rsis have extolled.
Pour down for us abundant food and guard us well.
26 O Indra, Caster of the Stone, thou helpest him who praises thee:
From sacrifice I send to thee a mindyoked hymn.
27 Here, yoking for the Soma-draught these Horses, sharers of thy feast,
Thy Bay Steeds, Indra, fraught with weal tb, consent to come.
28 Attendants on thy glory, let the Rudras roar assent to thee,
And all the Marut companies come tothe feast.
29 These his victorious followers bold in the heavens the place they love,
Leagued in the heart of sacrifice, as well we know.
30 That we may long behold the light, what time the ordered rite proceeds,
He duly measures, as he views, the sacrifice.
31 O Indra, strong is this thy car, and strong are these Bay Steeds of thine:
O Satakratu, thou art strong, strong is our call.
32 Strong is the press-stone, strong thy joy, strong is the flowing Soma juice:
Strong is the rite thou furtherest, strong is our call.
33 As strong I call on thee the Strong, O Thunderer with thy thousand aids:
For thou hast won the hymn of praise. Strong is our call.
HYMN XIV. Indra.
1. IF I, O Indra, were, like thee, the single Sovran of all wealth, My worshipper should be rich in kine.
2 I should be fain, O Lord of Power, to strengthen and enrich the sage,
Were I the Lord of herds of kine.
3 To worshippers who press the juice thy goodness, Indra, is a cow
Yielding in plenty kine and steeds.
4 None is there, Indra, God or man, to hinder thy munificence,
The wealth which, lauded, thou wilt give.
5 The sacrifice made Indra strong when he unrolled the earth, and made
Himself a diadem in heaven.
6 Thine aid we claim, O Indra, thine who after thou hast waxen great
Hast won all treasures for thine own.
7 In Soma's ecstasy Indra spread the firmament and realms of light,
When he cleft Vala limb from limb.
8 Showing the hidden he drave forth the cows for the Angirases,
And Vala he cast headlong down.
9 By Indra were the lumirious realms of heaven established and secured,
Firm and immovable from their place.
10 Indra, thy laud moves quickly like a joyous wave of water-floods:
Bright shine the drops that gladden thee.
11 For thou, O Indra, art the God whom hymns and praises magnify:
Thou blessest those who worship thee.
12 Let the two long-maned Bay Steeds bring Indra to drink the Soma juice,
Rig Veda – English Translation
The Bountiful to our sacrifice.
13 With waters' foam thou torest off, Indra, the head of Namuci,
Subduing all contending hosts.
14 The Dasyus, when they fain would climb
by magic arts and mount to heaven,
Thou, Indra, castest down to earth.
15 As Soma-drinker conquering all, thou scatteredst to every side
Their settlement who poured no gifts.
HYMN XV. Indra.
1. SING forth to him whom many men invoke, to him whom many laud. Invite the powerful Indra with y
our songs of praise.
2 Whose lofty might-for doubly strong is he-supports the heavens and earth,
And hills and plains and floods and light with manly power.
3 Such, Praised by many! thou art King alone thou smitest Vrtras dead,
To gain, O Indra, spoils of war and high renown.
4 We sing this strong and wild delight of thine which conquers in the fray,
Which, Caster of the Stone! gives room and shines like gold.
5 Wherewith thou also foundest lights for Ayu and for Manu's sake:
Now joying in this sacred grass thou beamest forth.
6 This day too singers of the hymn praise, as of old, this might of thine:
Win thou the waters day by day, thralls of the strong.
7 That lofty Indra-power of thine, thy strength and thine intelligence,
Thy thunderbolt for which we long, the wish makes keen.
8 O Indra, Heaven and Earth augment thy manly power and thy renown;
The waters and thy mountains stir and urge thee on.
9 Visnu the lofty ruling Power, Varuna, Mitra sing thy praise:
In thee the Marut3' company have great delight.
10 O Indra, thou wast born the Lord of men, most liberal of thy gifts:
Excellent deeds for evermore are all thine own.
11 Ever, alone, O highly-praised, thou sendest Vrtras to their rest:
None else than Indra executes the mighty deed.
12 Though here and there, in varied hymns, Indra, men call on thee for aid,
Still with our heroes fight and win the light of heaven.
13 Already have all forms of him entered our spacious dwelling-place:
For victory stir thou Indra, up, the Lord of Might.
HYMN XVI. Indra.
1. PRA ISE Indra whom our songs must laud, sole Sovran of mankind, the Chief
Most liberal who controlleth men.
2 In whom the hymns of praise delight, and all the glory-giving songs.
Like the floods' longing for the sea.
3 Him I invite with eulogy, best King, effective in the fight,
Strong for the gain of mighty spoil.
4 Whose perfect ecstasies are wide, profound, victorious, and give
Rig Veda – English Translation
joy in the field where heroes win.
5 Him, when the spoils of war are staked, men call to be their advocate:
They who have Indra win the day.
6 Men honour him with stirring songs and magnify with solemn rites:
Indra is he who giveth case.
7 1ndra is priest and Rsi, he is much invoked by many men,
And mighty by his mighty powers.
8 Meet to be lauded and invoked, true Hero with his deeds of might,
Victorious even when alone.
9 The men, the people magnify that Indra with their Slina. songs,
With hymns and sacred eulogies
10 Him who advances them to wealth, sends light to lead them in the war,
And quells their foemen in the fray.
11 May he, the saviour much-invoked, may Indra bear us in a ship
Safely beyond all enemies.
12 As such, O Indra, honour us with gifts of booty, further us,
And lead us to felicity.
HYMN XVII Indra.
1. COME, we have pressed the juice for thee; O Indra, drink this Soma here
Sit thou on this my sacred grass.
2 O Indra, let thy long-maned Bays, yoked by prayer, bring thee hitherward
Give car and listen to our prayers.
3 We Soma-bearing Brahmans call thee Soma-drinker with thy friend,
We, Indra, bringing Soma juice.
4 Come unto us who bring the juice, come unto this our eulogy,
Fair-visored! drink thou of the juice.
5 I pour it down within thee, so through all thy members let it spread:
Take with. thy tongue the pleasant drink.
6 Sweet to thy body let it be, delicious be the savoury juice:
Sweet be the Soma to thine heart.
7 Like women, let this Soma-draught, invested with its robe, approach,
O active Indra, close to thee.
8 Indra, transported with the juice, vast in his bulk, strong in his neck
And stout arms, smites the Vrtras down.
9 O Indra, go thou forward, thou who rulest over all by might:
Thou Vrtra-slayer slay the fiends,
10 Long be thy grasping-hook wherewith thou givest ample wealth to him
Who sheds the juice and worships thee.
11 Here, Indra, is thy Soma-draught, made pure upon the sacred grass:
Run hither, come and drink thereof.
12 Famed for thy radiance, worshipped well this juice is shed for thy delight
Thou art invoked, Akhandala!
13 To Kundapayya, grandson's son, grandson of Srngavrs! to thee,
To him have I addressed my thought.
Rig Veda – English Translation
14 Strong pillar thou, Lord of the home armour of Soma-offerers:
The drop of Soma breaketh all the strongholds down, and Indra is the Rsis' Friend.
15 Holy Prdikusanu, winner of the spoil, one eminent o'er many men,
Lead on the wild horse Indra with his vigorous grasp forward to drink the Soma juice.
HYMN XVIII. Adityas.
1. Now let the mortal offer prayer to win the unexampled grace Of these Adityas and their aid to cherish li
fe.
2 For not an enemy molests the paths which these Adityas tread:
Infallible guards, they strengthen us in happiness.
3 Now soon may Bhaga, Savitar, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman
Give us the shelter widely spread which we implore.
4 With Gods come thou whose fostering care none checks, O Goddesss Aditi:
Come, dear to many, with the Lords who guard us well.
5 For well these Sons of Aditi know to keep enmities aloof,
Unrivalled, giving ample room, they save from woe.
6 Aditi guard our herd by day, Aditi, free from guile, by night,
Aditi, ever strengthening, save us from grief!
7 And in the day our hymn is this: May Aditi come nigh to help,
With loving-kindness bring us weal and chase our foes.
8 And may the Asvins, the divine Pair of Physicians, send us health:
May they remove iniquity and chase our foes.
9 May Agni bless us with his fires, and Surya warm us pleasantly:
May the pure Wind breathe sweet on us, and chase our foes.
10 Drive ye disease and strife away, drive ye away malignity:
Adityas, keep us ever far from sore distress.
11 Remove from us the arrow, keep famine, Adityas! far away:
Keep enmities afar from us, Lords of all wealth!
12 Now, O Adityas, grant to us the shelter that lets man go free,
Yea, even the sinner from his sin, ye Bounteous Gods 1
13 Whatever mortal with the powe r of demons fain would injure us,
May he, impetuous, suffer harm by his own deeds.
14 May sin o'ertake our human foe, the man who speaketh evil thing,
Him who would cause our misery, whose heart is false.
15 Gods, ye are with the simple ones, ye know each mortal in your hearts;
Ye, Vasus, well discriminate the false and true.
16 Fain would we have the sheltering aid of mountains and of water-floods:
Keep far from us iniquity, O Heaven and Earth.
17 So with auspicious sheltering aid do ye, O Vasus, carry us
Beyond all trouble and distress, borne in your ship.
18 Adityas, ye Most Mighty Ones, grant to our children and their seed
Extended term of life that they may live long days.
19 Sacrifice, O Adityas, is your inward monitor: be kind,
For in the bond of kindred we are bound to you.
20 The Maruts' high protecting aid, the Asvins, and the God who saves,
Mitra and Varuna for weal we supplicate.
Rig Veda – English Translation
21 Grant us a home with triple guard, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna!
Unthreatened, Maruts! meet for praise, and filled with men.
22 And as we human beings, O Adityas, are akin to death,
Graciously lengthen ye our lives that we may live.
HYMN XIX. Agni.
1. SING praise to hiin, the Lord of Light. The Gods have made the God to be their messenger,
And sent oblation to Gods.
2 Agni, the Bounteous Giver, bright with varied flames, laud thou, O singer Sobhari-
Him who controls this sacred food with Soma blent, who hath first claim to sacrifice.
3 Thee have we chosen skilftillest in sacrifice, Immortal Priest among the Gods,
Wise finisher of this holy rite:
4 The Son of Strength, the blessed, brightly shining One, Agni whose light is excellent.
May be by sacrifice win us in heaven the grace of Mitra, Varuna, and the Floods.
5 The mortal who hath ministered to Agni with oblation, fuel, ritual lore,
And reverence, skilled in sacrifice.
6 Verily swift to run are his fleet-footed steeds, and most resplendent fame is his.
No trouble caused by Gods or wrought by mortal man from any side o'ertaketh him.
7 May we by thine own fires be well supplied with fire, O Son of Strength, O Lord of Might:
Thou as our Friend hast worthy men.
8 Agni, who praises like a guest of friendly mind, is as a car that brings us gear.
Also in thee is found perfect security thou art the Sovran Lord of wealth.
9 That man, moreover, merits praise who brings, auspicious Agni, sacrificial gifts
May he win riches by his thoughts.
10 He for whose sacrifice thou standest up erect is prosperous and rules o'er men.
He wins with coursers and with singers killed in song: with heroes he obtains the prize.
11 He in whose dwelling Agni is chief ornament, and, all-desired, loves his laud well,
And zealously tends his offerings-
12 His, or the lauding sage's word, his, Son of Strength! who Is most prompt with sacred gifts,
Set thou beneath the Gods, Vasu, above mankind, the speech of the intelligent.
13 He who with sacrificial gifts or homage bringeth very skilful Agni nigh,
Or him who flashes fast with song,
14 The mortal who with blazing fuel, as his laws command, adores the Perfect God,
Blest with his thoughts in splendour shall exceed all men, as though he overpassed the floods.
15 Give us the splendour, Agni, which may overcome each greedy fiend in our abode,
The wrath of evil-hearted folk.
16 That, wherewith Mitra, Varuna, and Aryaman, the Asvins, Bhaga give us light,
That may we, by thy power finding best furtherance, worship, O Indra, helped by thee.
17 O Agni, most devout are they, the sages who have set thee Sage exceeding wise,
O God, for men to look upon:
18 Who have arranged thine altar Blessed God, at morn brought thine oblation, pressed the juice.
They by their deeds of strength have won diem, mighty wealth, who have set all their hope in thee.
19 -May Agni worshipped bring us bliss, may the gift, Blessed One, and sacrifice bring bliss;
Yea, may our praises bring us bliss.
20 Show forth the mind that brings success in war with fiends, wherewith thou conquerest in fight.
Bring down the many firm hopes of our enemies, and let us vanquish with thine aid.
Rig Veda – English Translation
21 I praise with song the Friend of man, whom Gods sent down to be herald and messenger,
Best worshipper, bearer of our gifts.
22 Thou unto sharp-toothed Agni, Young and Radiant God, proclaimest with thy song the feast-
Agni, who for our sweet strains moulds heroic strength when sacred oil is offered him,
23 While, served with sacrificial oil, now upward and now downward Agni moves his sword,
As doth the Asura his robe.
24 The God, the Friend of man, who bears our gifts to heaven, the God with his sweet-smelling mouth,
Distributes, skilled in sacrifice, his precious things, Invoking Priest, Immortal God.
25 Son of Strength, Agni, if thou wert the mortal, bright as Mitra, I worshipped with our gifts!
And I were the Immortal God
26 I would not give thee up, Vasu, to calumny, or misery, O Bounteous One.
My worshipper should feel no hunger or distress, nor, Agni, should he live in sin.
27 Like a son cherished in his father's houi§e, let our oblation rise unto the Gods.
28 With thine immediate aid may I, excellent Agni, ever gain my wish
A mortal with a God to help.
29 O Agni, by thy wisdom, by thy bounties, by thy leading may I gather wealth.
Excellent Agni, thou art called my Providence: delight thou to be liberal.
30 Agni, he conquers by thine aid that brings him store of noble heroes and great strength,
Whose bond of friendship is thy choice.
31 Thy spark is black and crackling, kindled in due time, O Bounteous, it is taken up.
Thou art the dear Friend of the mighty Mornings: thou shinest in glimmerings of the night.
32 We Sobharis have come to him, for succour, who is good to help with thousand powers,
The Sovran, Trasadasyu's Friend.
33 O Agni, thou on whom all other fires depend, as branches on the parent stem,
I make the treasures of the folk, like songs, mine own, while I exalt thy sovran might.
34 The mortal whom, Adityas, ye, Guilelew, lead to the farther bank
Of all the princes, Bounteous Ones
35 Whoe'er he be, Man-ruling Kings! the Regent of the race of men-
May we, O Mitra, Varuna, and Aryaman, like him be furtherers of your law.
36 A gift of fifty female slaves hath Trasadasyu given me, Purukutsa's son,
Most liberal, kind, lord of the brave.
37 And Syava too for me led forth a strong steed at Suvastu's ford:
A herd of three times seventy kine, good lord of gifts, he gave to me.
HYMN XX Maruts.
1. LET none, Swift Travellers! check you: come hither, like-spirited, stay not far away,
Ye benders even of what is firm.
2 Maruts, Rbhuksans, Rudras come ye with your cars strong-fellied and exceeding bright.
Come, ye for whom we long, with food, to sacrifice, come ye with love to Sobbari.
3 For well we know the vigorous might of Rudra's Sons, the Martits, who are passing strong,
Swift Visnu's band, who send the rain.,
4 Islands are bursting forth and misery is stayed: the heaven and earth are joined in one.
Decked with bright rings, ye spread the broad expanses out, when ye, Self. luminous, stirred yourselves.
5 Even things immovable shake and reel, the mountains and the forest trees at your approach,
And the earth trembles as ye come.
Rig Veda – English Translation
6 To lend free course, O Maruts, to your furious rush, heaven high and higher still gives way,
Where they, the Heroes mighty with their arms, display their gleaming omaments on their forms.
7 After their Godlike nature they, the bull. like Heroes, dazzling and impetuous, wear
Great splendour as they show erect.
8 The pivot of the Sobharis' chariot within the golden box is balmed with milk.
May they the Well-born, Mighty, kindred of the Cow, aid us to food and to delight.
9 Bring, ye who sprinkle balmy drops. oblations to your vigorous Marut company,
To those whose leader is the Bull.
10 Come hither, O ye Mares, on your stronghorsed car, solid in look, with solid naves.
Lightly like winged falcons, O ye Heroes, come, come to enjoy our ofrerings.
11 Their decoration is the same: their omaments of gold are bright upon their arms;
Their lances glitter splendidly.
12 They toil not to defend their bodies from attack, strong Heroes with their mighty arms.
Strong are your bows and strong the weapons in your cars, and glory sits on every face.
13 Whose name extendeth like a sea, alone, resplendent, so that all have joy in it,
And life-power like ancestral might.
14 Pay honour to these Maruts and sing praise to them, for of the wheel-spokes of the car
Of these loud roarers none is last: this is their power, this moves them to give mighty gifts.
15 Blest by your favouring help was he, O Maruts, at the earlier flushings of the morn,
And even now shall he be blest.
16 The strong man to whose sacrifice, O Heroes, ye approach that ye may taste thereof,
With glories and with war that winneth spoil shall gain great bliss, ye Shakers of the world.
17 Even as Rudra's Sons, the brood of the Creator Dyaus, the Asura, desire,
O Youthful Ones, so shall it be:
18 And these the bounteous, worthy of the Maruts who move onward pouring down the rain-
Even for their sake, O Youthful Ones, with kindest heart take us to you to be your own.
19 O Sobhari, with newest song sing out unto the youthful purifying Bulls,
Even as a pl ougher to his steers.
20 Who, like a celebrated boxer, overcome the challengers in every fight:
They who, like shining bulls, are most illustrious-honour those Maruts with thy song.
21 Allied by common ancestry, ye Maruts, even the Cows, alike in energy,
Lick, all by turns, each other's head.
22 Even mortal man, ye Dancers breast adorned with gold, attains to brotherhood with you.
Mark ye and notice us, O Maruts; evermore your friendship is secured to us.
23 O Maruts, rich in noble gifts, bring us a portion of the Maruts' medicine,
Ye Coursers who are Friends to us.
24 Haters of those who serve you not, bliss-bringers, bring us bliss with those auspicious aids
Wherewith ye are victorious and guard Sindhu well, and succour Krvi in his need.
25 Maruts, who rest on fair trimmed grass, what balm soever Sindhu or Asikni hath,
Or mountains or the seas contain.
26 Ye carry on your bodies, ye who see it all: so bless us graciously therewith.
Cast, Maruts, to the ground our sick man's malady: replace the dislocated limb.
HYMN XXI. Indra.
1. WE call on thee, O Matchless One! We seeking help, possessing nothing firm ourselves,
Rig Veda – English Translation
Call on thee wonderful in fight
2 On thee for aid in sacrifice. This youth of ours, the bold, the mighty, hath gonse forth.
We therefore, we thy friends, Indra, havie chosen thee, free-giver, as our Guardian God.
3 Come hither, for the drops are here, O Lord of corn-lands. Lord of horses, Lord of kine:
Drink thou the Soma, Soma 's Lord!
4 For we the kinless singers have drawn hither thee, O Indra, who hast numerous kin.
With all the forms thou hast, comic thou of bull-like strength, come near to drink the Soma juice.
5 Sitting like birds beside thy meath., mingled with milk, that gladdeneth and exalteth thee,
Indra, to thee we sing aloud.
6 We speak to thee with this our reverential prayer. Why art thou pondering yet awhile?
Here are our wishes; thou art liberal, Lord of Bays: we and our hymns are present here.
7 For not in recent times alone, O Indra, Thunder-armed, have we obtained thine aid.
Of old we knew thy plenteous wealth.
8 Hero, we knew thy friendship and thy rich rewards: these, Thunderer, now we crave of thee.
O Vasu, for all wealth that cometh of the kine, sharpen our powers, fair-visored God.
9 Him who of old hath brought to us this and that blessing, him I magnify for you,
Even Indra, O my friends, for help
10 Borne by Bay Steeds, the Lord of heroes, ruling men, for it is he who takes; delight.
May Maghavan bestow on us his worshippers hundreds of cattle and of steeds.
11 Hero, may we, with thee for Friend, withstand the man who pants against us in his wrath,
In fight with people rich in kine.
12 May we be victors in the singer's battlesong, and meet the wicked, Much invoked!
With heroes smite the foeman and show forth our strength. O Indra, further thou our thoughts.
13 O Indra, from all ancient time rivalless ever and companionless art thou:
Thou seekest comradeship in war.
14 Thou findest not the wealthy man to be thy friend: those scorn thee who are flown with wine.
What time thou thunderest and gatherest, then thou, even as a Father, art invoked.
15 O Indra, let us not, like fools who waste their lives at home, with friendship such as thine
Sit idly by the poured-out juice.
16 Giver of kine, may we not miss thy gracious gifts: let us not rob thee of thine own.
Strip even the strong places of the foe, and bring: thy gifts can never be made vain.
17 Indra or blest Sarasvati alone bestows such wealth, treasure so great, or thou,
O Citra, on the worshipper.
18 Citra is King, and only kinglings are the rest who dwell beside Sarasvati.
He, like Parjanya with his rain, hath spread himself with thousand, yea, with myriad gifts.
HYMN XXII. Asvins.
1. HITHERWARD have I called to-day, for succour, that most wondrous car Which ye ascended, Asvins
, ye whose paths are red, swift to give Car, for Surya's sake.
2 Car ever young, much longed-for, easily invoked, soon guided, first in deeds of might,
Which waits and serves, O Sobhari, with benevolence, without a rival or a foe.
3 These Asvins with our homage, these Two Omnipresent Deities
Hitherward will we bring for kind help, these who seek the dwelling of the worshipper.
4 One of your chariot wheels is moving swiftly round, one speeds for you its onward course.
Like a milch-cow, O Lords of splendour, and with haste let your benevolence come to us.
Rig Veda – English Translation
5 That chariot of yours which hath a triple seat and reins of gold,
The famous car that traverseth the heaven and earth, thereon Nasatyas, Asvins, come.
6 Ye with your plough, when favouring Manu with your help, ploughed the first harvest in the sky.
As such will we exalt you, Lords of splendour, now, O Asvins, with our prayer and praise.
7 Come to us, Lords of ample wealth, by paths of everlasting Law,
Whereby to high dominion ye with mighty strength raised Trksi, Trasadasyu's son.
8 This Soma pressed with stones is yours, ye Heroes, Lords of plenteous wealth.
Approach to drink the Soma, come, drink in the worshipper's abode.
9 O Asvins, mount the chariot, mount the golden seat, ye who are Lords of plenteous wealth,
And bring to us abundant food.
10 The aids wherewith ye helped Paktha and Adhrigt;, and Babhru severed from his friends,-
With those, O Asvins, come hither with speed and soon, and heal whatever is diseased.
11 When we continually invoke the Asvins, the resistless, at this time of day,
We lovers of the song, with songs.
12 Through these, ye Mighty Ones, come hither to my call which brings all blessings, wears all forms,-
Tlirough which, All-present Heroes, lavishest of food ye strengthened Krvi, come through these.
13 I speak to both of these as such, these Asvins whom I reverence at this time of day:
With homage we entreat them both.
14 Ye who are Lords of splendour, ye whose paths are red, at eve, at mom, at sacrifice,
Give us not utterly as prey to mortal foe, ye Rudras, Lords of ample wealth.
15 For bliss I call. the blissful car, at morn the inseparable Asvins with their car
I call, like Sobhari our sire.
16 Rapid as thought, and strong, and speeding to thejoy, bringing.your swiftly-coming help,
Be to us a protection even from far away Lords of great wealth, with many aids.'
17 Come, Wonder-Workers, to our home, our home, O Asvins, rich in cattle, steeds, and gold,
Chief drinkers of the Soma's juice
18 Choice-worthy strength, heroic, firm and excellent, uninjured by the Raksas foe,
At this your coming nigh, ye Lords of ample wealth and all good things, may we obtain.
HYMN XXIII. Agni.
1. WORSHIP thou Jatavedas, pray to him who willingly accepts, Whose smoke wanders at will, and none
may grasp his flame.
2 Thou, all men's friend, Visvamanas, exaltest Agni with thy song,
The Giver, and his flames with which no cars contend.
3 Whose resolute assault, to win vigour and food, deserves our praise,-
Through whose discovering power the priest obtaineth wealth.
4 Up springs the imperishable flame, the flame of the Refulgent One
Most bright, with glowing jaws and glory in his train.
5 Skilled in fair sacrifice, extolled, arise in Godlike loveliness,
Shining with lofty splendour, with effulgent light.
6 Called straight to our oblations, come, O Agni, through our eulogies,
As thou hast been our envoy bearing up our gifts.
7 I call your Agni, from of old Invoking Priest of living men:
Him with this song I laud and magnify for you.
8 Whom, wondrous wise, they animate with solemn rites and his fair form,
Rig Veda – English Translation
Kind as a friend to men who keep the holy Law.
9 Him, true to Law, who perfecteth the sacrifice,. Law-loving ones!
Ye with your song have gratified in the place of prayer.
10 May all our sacrifices go to him the truest Angiras,
Who is among mankind the most illustrious Priest.
11 Imperishable Agni, thine are all these high enkindled lights,
Like horses and like stallions showing forth their strength.
12 So give us, Lord of Power and Might, riches combined with hero strength,
And guard us with our sons and grand. sons in our frays.
13 Soon as the eager Lord of men is friendly unto Manti's race,
Agni averteth from us all the demon host.
14 O Hero Agni, Lord of men, on hearing this new laud of mine,
Burn down the Raksasas, enchanters, with thy flame.
15 No mortal foe can e'er prevail by arts of magic over him
Who serveth Agni well with sacrificial gifts.
16 Vyasva the sage, who sought the Bull, hath won thee, finder of good things:
As such may we enkindle thee for ample wealth.
17 Usana Kavya stablished thee, O Agni, as Invoking Priest:
Thee, Jatavedas, Sacrificing Priest for man.
18 All Deities of one accord appointed thee their messenger:
Thou, God, through hearing, hadst first claim to sacrifice.
19 Him may the mortal hero make his own immortal messenger.
Far-spreading, Purifier, him whose path is black.
20 With lifted ladles let us call him splendid with his brilliant flame,
Men's ancient Agni, wasting not, adorable.
21 The man who pays the worship due to him with sacrificial gifts
Obtains both plenteous nourishment and hero fame.
22 To Jatavedas Agni, chief in sacrifices, first of all
With homage goes the ladle rich with sacred gifts.
23 Even as Vyatya did, may we with these most high and liberal hymns
Pay worship unto Agni of the splendid flame.
24 Now sing, as Sthurayupa sang, with lands to him who spreadeth far,
To Agni of the home, O Rsi, Vyasva's son.
25 As welcome guest of human kind, as offspring of the forest kings,
The sages worship ancient Agni for his aid.
26 For men's oblations brought to him who is the mighty Lord of all,
Sit, Agni, mid our homage, on the sacred grass.
27 Grant us abundant. treasures, grant the opulence which many crave,
With store of heroes, progeny, and high renown.
28 Agni, Most Youthful of the Gods, send evermore the gift of wealth
Unto Varosusaman and to all his folk.
29 A mighty Conqueror art thou, O Agni, so disclose to us
Food in our herds of kine and gain of ample wealth.
30 Thou, Agni, art a glorious God: bring hither Mitra, Varuna,
Imperial Sovrans, holy-minded, true to Law.
Rig Veda – English Translation
HYMN XXIV. Indra.
1. COMPANIONS, let us learn a prayer to Indra. whom the thunder arms, To glorify your bold and most
heroic Friend.
2 For thou by slaying Vrtra art the Vrtra-slayer, famed for might.
Thou, Hero, in rich gifts surpassest wealthy chiefs.
3 As such, when glorified, bring us riches of very wondrous fame,
Set in the highest rank, Wealth-giver, Lord of Bays!
4 Yea, Indra, thou disclosest that preeminent dear wealth of men:
Boldly, O Bold One, glorified, bring it to us.
5 The workers of destruction stay neither thy right hand nor thy left:
Nor hosts that press about thee, Lord of Bays, in fight.
6 O Thunder-armed, I come with songs to thee as to a stall with kine:
Fulfil the wish and thought of him who sings thy praise.
7 Chief Vrtra-slayer, through the hymn of Visvamanas think of all,
All that concerneth us, Excellent, Mighty Guide.
8 May we, O Vrtra-slayer, O Hero, find this thy newest boon, Longed-for, and excellent, thou who art m
uch
invoked!
9 O Indra, Dancer, Much-invoked! as thy great power is unsurpassed,
So be thy bounty to the worshipper unchecked.
10 Most Mighty, most heroic One, for mighty bounty fill thee full.
Though strong, strengthen thyself to win wealth, Maghavan!
11 O Thunderer, never have our prayers gone forth to any God but thee:
So help us, Maghavan, with thine assistance now.
12 For, Dancer, verily I find none else for bounty, saving thee,
For splendid wealth and power, thou Lover of the Song.
13 For Indra pour ye out the drops meath blent with Soma let him drink
With bounty and with majesty will he further us.
14 I spake to the Bay Coursers' Lord, to him who gives ability:
Now hear the son of Asva as he praises thee.
15 Never was any Hero born before thee mightier than thou:
None certairdy like thee in goodness and in wealth.
16 O ministering priest, pour out of the sweet juice what gladdens most:
So is the Hero praised who ever prospers us.
17 Indra, whom Tawny Coursers bear, praise such as thine, preeminent,
None by his power or by his goodness hath attained.
18 We, seeking glory, have invoked this Master of all power and might
Who must be glorified by constant sacri fice.
19 Come, sing we praise to Indra, friends, the Hero who deserves the laud,
Him who with none to aid o'ercomes all tribes of men.
20 To him who wins the kine, who keeps no cattle back, Celestial God,
Speak wondrous speech more sweet than butter and than meath.
21 Whose hero powers are measureless, whose bounty ne'er may be surpassed,
Whose liberality, like light, is over all.
22 As Vyasva did, praise Indra, praise the Strong unfluctuating Guide,
Who gives the foe's possessions to the worshipper.
Rig Veda – English Translation
23 Now, son of Vyasva, praise thou him who to the tenth time still is new,
The very Wise, whom living men must glorify
24 Thou knowest, Indra, Thunder-armed, how to avoid destructive powers,
As one secure from pitfalls each returning day.
25 O Indra, bring that aid wherewith of old, Most Wondrous! thou didst slay
His foes for active Kutsa: send it down to us.
26 So now we seek thee fresh in might, Most Wonderful in act! for gain:
For thou art he who conquers all our foes for us.
27 Who will set free from ruinous woe, or Arya on the Seven Streams:
O valiant Hero, bend the Dasa's weapon down.
28 As to Varosusaman thou broughtest great riches, for their gain,
To Vyasva's sons, Blest Lady, rich in ample wealth!
29 Let Narya's sacrificial meed reach Vyasva's Soma-bearing sons:
In hundreds and in thousands be the great reward.
30 If one should ask thee, Where is he who sacrificed? Whither lookest thou?
Like Vala he hath passed away and dwelleth now on Gomati.
HYMN XXV.
Mitra-Varuna.
1. I WORSHIP you who guard this All, Gods, holiest among the Gods, You, faithful to the Law, whose p
ower is sanctified.
2 So, too, like charioteers are they, Mitra and sapient V aruna,
Sons high-born from of old, whose holy laws stand fast.
3 These Twain, possessors of all wealth, most glorious, for supremest sway
Aditi, Mighty Mother, true to Law, brought forth.
4 Great Varuna and Mitra, Gods, Asuras and imperial Lords,
True to Eternal Law proclaim the high decree.
5 The offspring of a lofty Power, Daksa's Two Sons exceeding strong,
Who, Lords of flowing rain, dwell in the place of food.
6 Ye who have gathered up your gifts, celestial and terrestrial food,
Let your rain come to us fraught with the mist of heaven.
7 The Twain, who from the lofty sky seem to look down on herds below,
Holy, imperial Lords, are set to be revered.
8 They, true to Law, exceeding strong, have sat them down for savran rule:
Princes whose laws stand fast, they have obtained their sway.
9 Pathfinders even better than the eye, with unobstructed sight,
Even when they close their lids, observant, they perceive.
10 So may the Goddess Aditi, may the Nasatyas guard us well,
The Martits guard us well,.endowed with mighty strength.
11 Do ye, O Bounteous Gods, protect our dwelling lace by day and night:
With you for our defenders may we go unharmed.
12 May we, unharmed, serve bountiful Visnu, the God who slayeth none:
Self-moving Sindhu hear and be the first to mark.
13 This sure protection we elect, desirable and reaching far,
Which Mitra, Varuna, and Aryaman afford.
14 And may the Sindhu of the floods, the Maruts, and the ASvin Pair,
Rig Veda – English Translation
Boon Indra, and boon Visnu have one mind with us.
15 Because these warring Heroes stay the enmity of every foe,
As the fierce water-flood repels the furious ones.
16 Here this one God, the Lord of men, looks forth exceeding far and wide:
And we, for your advantage, keep his holy laws.
17 We keep the old accustomed laws, the statutes of supremacy,
The Iong-known laws of Mitra and of Varuna.
18 He who hath measured with his ray the boundaries of heaven and earth,
And with his majesty hath filled the two worlds full,
19 Surya hath spread his light aloft up to the region of the sky,
Like Agni all aflame when gifts are offered him.
20 With him who sits afar the word is lord of food that comes from kine,
Controller of the gift of unempoisoned food.
21 So unto Surya, Heaven, and Earth at morning and at eve I speak.
Bringing enjoyments ever rise thou up for us.
22 From Uksanyayana a bay, from Harayana a white steed,
And from Susaman we obtained a hamessed car.
23 These two shall bring me further gain of troops of tawny-coloured steeds,
The carriers shall they be of active men of war.
24 And the two sages have I gained who hold the reins and bear the whip,
And the two great strong coursers, with my newest song.
HYMN XXVI. Asvins.
1. I CALL your chariot to receive united praise mid princely men, Strong Gods who pour down wealth, of
never vanquished might!
2 Ye to Varosusaman come, Nasatyas, for this glorious rite.
With your protecting aid. Strong Gods, who pour down wealth.
3 So with oblations we invoke you, rich in ample wealth, to-day,
When night hath passed, O ye who send us plenteous food.
O Asvins, Heroes, let your car, famed, best to travel, come to us,
And, for his glory, mark your zealous servant's lauds.
5 Asvins, who send us precious gifts, even when offended, think of him:
For ye, O Rudras, lead us safe beyond our foes.
6 For, Wonder-Workers, with fleet steeds ye fly completely round this All,
Stirring our thoughts, ye Lords of splendour, honey-hued.
7 With all-sustaining opulence, Asvins, come hitherward to us,
Ye rich and noble Heroes, ne'er to be o'erthrown.
8 To welcome this mine offering, O ye Indra-like Nasatyas, come
As Gods of best accord this day with other Gods.
9 For we, like Vyasva, lifting up our voice like oxen, call on you:
With all your loving kindness, Sages, come to us.
10 O Rsi, laud the Asvins well. Will they not listen to thy call?
Will they not bum the Panis who are nearer them?
11 O Heroes, listen to the son of Vyasva, and regard me here,
Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, of one accord.
Rig Veda – English Translation
12 Gods whom we yearn for, of your gifts, of what ye bring to us, bestow
By princes' hands on me, ye Mighty, day by day.
13 Him whom your sacrifices clothe, even as a woman with her robe,
The Asvins help to glory honouring him well.
14 Whoso regards your care of men as succour widest in its reach,
About his dwelling go, ye Asvins, loving us.
15 Come to us ye who pour down wealth, come to the home which men must guard:
Like shafts, ye are made meet for sacrifice by song.
16 Most fetching of all calls, the laud, as envoy, Heroes, called to you
Be it your own, O Asvin Pair.
17 Be ye in yonder sea of heaven, or joying in the home of food,
Listen to me, Immortal Ones.
18 This river with his lucid flow attracts you, more than all the streams,-
Even Sindhu with his path of gold.
19 O Asvins, with that glorious fame come hither, through our brilliant song,
Come ye whose ways are marked with light.
20 Harness the steeds who draw the car, O Vasu, bring the well-fed pair.
O Vayu, drink thou of our meath: come unto our drink-offerings.
21 Wonderful Vayu, Lord of Right, thou who art Tvastar's son-in-law,
Thy saving succour we elect.
22 To Tvastar's son-in-law we pray for wealth whereof he hath control:
For glory we seek vayu, men with juice effused.
23 From heaven, auspicious Vayu, come drive hither with thy noble steeds:
Come on thy mighty car with wide-extending seat.
24 We call thee to the homes of men, thee wealthiest in noble food,
And liberal as a press-stone with a horse's back.
25 So, glad and joyful in thine heart, do thou, God, Vayu, first of all
Vouchsafe us water, strength, and thought.
HYMN XXVII. Visvedevas.
1. CHEIF Priest is Agni at the laud, as stones and grass at sacrifice: With song I seek the Maruts, Brahma
naspati, 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, Varuina, like men, with sacrificial fires aflame.
8 O Maruts, Visinu, Asvins, Pusan, haste away with minds turned hitherward to Me.
Rig Veda – English Translation
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 hisway 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 wakingtime, 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 sacritice, Sage, among the Gods.
Rig Veda – English Translation
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.
Rig Veda – English Translation
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.
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.
2.
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 lhis 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,
Rig Veda – English Translation
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 psours 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 ol 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 ower 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,
Rig Veda – English Translation
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-slaye r, 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.
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, Go
d 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,
Rig Veda – English Translation
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 see med 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 wil the Mountains, Heaven, and E
arth;
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. Conie 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 vigolms strength.
12 Slay enemies, animate men whom ye befriend; bestow upon us progeny and aff luence.
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 cal
l.
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 disea
se.
Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, the presser's Soma, Asvins drink.
Rig Veda – English Translation
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 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 aidg 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 holpest, Indra, Lord of Strength, wi
th
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.
Rig Veda – English Translation
Indra-Angi.
HYMN XXXVIII.
I. YE Twain are Priests of sacrifice, wmners 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 a
ll
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 moutlh.
Acknowledge them. among the Gods, for thou art the rmost 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 deliglht, 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 othe
rs
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 th
e
others die away.
Rig Veda – English Translation
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 t
he
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 d
ie
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.
Indra-Agni.
HYMN XL.
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 l
ap.
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 demolisbeth 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.
Rig Veda – English Translation
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 stablished 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, stablished 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. L
et
all the others die away.
HYMN XLII Varuna.
1. LORD of all wealth, the Asura propped the heavens, and measured out the broad earth's wide expanses.
He, King supreme, approached all living creatures. All these are Varuna's holy operations.
2 So humbly worship Varuna the Mighty revere the wise Guard of World Immortal.
May he vouchsafe us triply-barred protection. O Earth and Heaven, within your lap preserve us.
3 Sharpen this song of him who strives his utmost, sharpen, God Varuna, his strength and insight;
May we ascend the ship that bears us safely, whereby we may pass over all misfortune.
4 Asvins, with songs the singer stones have made you hasten hitherward,
Nasatyas, to the Soma-draught. Let all the others die away.
5 As the sage Atri with his hymns, O Asvins, called you eagerly,
Nasatyas, to the Soma-draught. Let all the others die away.
6 So have I called you to our aid, even as the wise have called of old,
Nasatyas, to the Soma-draught. Let all the others die away.
Rig Veda – English Translation
HYMN XLIII. Agni.
1. THESE songs of mine go forth as lauds of Agni, the disposing Sage, Whose worshipper is ne'er o'erthr
awn.
2 Wise Agni Jatavedas, I beget a song of praise for thee.
Who willingly receivest it.
3 Thy sharpened flames, O Agni, like the gleams of light that glitter through,
Devour the forests with their teeth.
4 Gold-coloured, bannered with the smoke, urged by the wind, aloft to heaven
Rise, lightly borne, the flames of fire.
5 These lightly kindled fiery flames are all around made visible,
Even as the glearaings of the Dawns.
6 As Jatavedas speeds along, the dust is black beneath his feet,
When Agni spreads upon the earth.
7 Making the plants his nourishment, Agni devours and wearies not,
Seeking the tender shrubs again.
8 Bending him down with all his tongues, he flickers with his fiery glow
Splendid is Agni in the woods.
9 Agni, thine home is in the floods: into the plants thou forcest way,
And as their Child art born anew.
10 Worshipped with offerings shines thy flame, O Agni, from the sacred oil,
With kisses on the ladle's mouth.
11 Let us serve Agni with our hymns, Disposer, fed on ox and cow,
Who bears the Soma on his back.
12 Yea, thee, O Agni, do we seek with homage and with fuel, Priest
Whose wisdom is most excellent.
13 O worshipped with oblations, pure Agni, we call on thee as erst,
Did Bhrgu, Manus, Angiras.
14 For thou, O Agni, by the fire, Sage by the Sage, Good by the Good,
Friend by the Friend, art lighted up.
15 So wealth in thousands, food with store of heroes give thou to the sage,
O Agni, to the worshipper.
16 O Agni, Brother, made by strength, Lord of red steeds and brilliant sway,
Take pleasure in this laud of mine.
17 My praises, Agni, go to thee, as the cows seek the stall to meet,
The lowing calf that longs for milk.
18 Agni, best Angiras, to thee all people who have pleasant homes,
Apart, have turned as to their wish.
19 The sages skilled in holy song and thin. kers with their thoughts have urged
Agni to share the sacred feast.
20 So, Agni, unto thee the Priest, Invoker, strong in forays, pray
'nose who spin out the sacrifice.
21 In many a place, the same in look art thou, a Prince o'er all the tribes
In battles we invoke thine aid.
22 Pray thou to Agni, pray to him who blazes served with sacred oil:
Rig Veda – English Translation
Let him give ear to this our call.
23 We call on thee as such, as one who hears, as Jatavedas, one,
Agni! who beats away our foes.
24 I pray to Agni, King of men, the Wonderful, the President
Of holy Laws: may he give ear.
25 Him like a bridegroom, him who stirs all people, like a noble horse,
Like a fleet steed, we instigate.
26 Slaying things deadly, burning up foes, Riksasas, on every side,
Shine, Agni, with thy sharpened flame.
27 Thou whom the people kindle even as Manus did, best Angiras!
O Agni, mark thou this my speech.
28 O Agni, made by strength! be thou born in the heavens or born in floods,
As such we call on thee with songs.
29 Yea, all the people, all the folk who have good dwellings, each apart,
Send food for thee to eat thereof.
30 O Agni, so may we, devout, gazed at by men, throughout our days,
Pass lightly over all distress.
31 We venerate with cheerful hearts the cheerful Agni, dear to all,
Burning, with purifying flame.
32 So thou, O Agni rich in light, beaming like Surya with thy rays
Boldly demolishest the gloom,
33 We pray to thee for this thy gift, Victor the gift that faileth not,
O Agni, choicest wealth from thee.
HYMN XLIV. Agni.
1. PAY service unto Agni with your fuel, rouse your Guest with oil: In him present your offerings.
2 Agni, do thou accept my laud, be magnified by this my song:
Welcome my sweedy-spoken words.
3 Agni, envoy, I place in front; the oblation-bearer I address:
Here let him seat the Deities.
4 Agni, the lofty flames of' thee enkindled have gone up on high,
Thy bright flames, thou Refulgent One.
5 Beloved! let my ladles full of sacred oil come near to thee:
Agni, accept our offerings.
6 I worship Agni-may he hear!-the cheerful, the Invoker, Priest,
Of varied splendour, rich in light.
7 Ancient Invoker, meet for praise, beloved Agni, wise and strong,
The visitant of solemn rites.
8 Agni, best Angiras, accept straightway these offerings, and guide
The seasonable sacrifice.
9 Excellent God, with brilliant flames, enkindled bring thou hitherward,
Knowing the way, the Heavenly Host.
10 Him, Sage and Herald, void of guile, ensign of sacrifices, him
Smoke-bannered, rich in light, we seek.
11 O Agni, be our Guardian thou, God, against those who injure us:
Destroy our foes, thou Son of Strength.
Rig Veda – English Translation
12 Making his body beautiful, Agni the Sage hath waxen by
The singer and his ancient hymn.
13 I invocate the Child of Strength, Agni with purifying flame,
At this well-ordered sacrifice.
14 So Agni, rich in many friends, with fiery splendour, seat thyself
With Gods upon our sacred grass.
15 The mortal man who serves the God Agni within his own abode,
For him he causes wealth to shine.
16 Agni is head and height of heaven, the Master of the earth is he:
He quickeneth the watere seed.
17 Upward, O Agni, rise thy flames, pure and resplendent, blazing high,
Thy lustres, fair effulgences.
18 For, Agni, thou as Lord of Light rulest o'er choicest gifts: may I,
Thy singer, find defence in thee.
19 O Agni, they who understand stir thee to action with their thoughts:
So let our songs enhance thy might.
20 We ever claim the friendship of Agni, the singing messenger,
Of God-like nature, void of guile.
21 Agni who bears most holy sway, the holy Singer, holy Sage,
Shines holy when we worship him.
22 Yea, let my meditations, let my songs exalt thee evermore.
Think, Agni, of our friendly bond,
23 If I were thou and thou wert I, O Agni, every prayer of thine
Should have its due fulfilment here.
24 For Excellent and Lord of wealth. art thou O Agni, rich in light:
May we enjoy thy favouring grace.
25 Agni, to thee whose laws stand fast our resonant songs of praise speed forth,
As rivers hasten to the sea.
26 Agni, the Youthful Lord of men, who stirreth much and eateth all,
The Sage, I glorify with hymns.
27 To Agni let us haste with lauds, the Guide of sacrificial rites,
Armed with sharp teeth, the Mighty One.
28 And let this man, good Agni, be with thee the singer of thy praise:
Be gracious, Holy One, to him.
29 For thou art sharer of our feast, wise, ever watchful as a Sage:
Agni, thou shinest in the sky.
30 O Agni, Sage, before our foes, before misfortunes fall on us,
Excellent Lord, prolong our lives.
HYMN XLV. Indra
1. HITHERWARD! they who light flame and straightway trim the sacred grass.
Whose Friend is Indra ever young.
2 High is their fuel, great their laud, wide is their splinter from the stake,
Whose Friend is Indra ever young.
3 Unequelled in fight the hero leads his army with the warrior chiefs.
Rig Veda – English Translation
Whose Friend is Indra ever young.
4 The new-born Vrtra-slayer asked his Mother, as he seized his shaft,
Who are the fierce? Who are renowned?
5 Savasi answered, He who seeks thine enmity will battle like
A stately elephant on a hill.
6 And hear, O Maghavan; to him who craves of thee thou grantest all
Whate'er thou makest firm is firm.
7 What time the Warrior Indra goes to battle, borne by noble steeds,
Best of all charioteers is he.
8 Repel, O Thunder-armed, in all directions all attacks on us:
And be our own most glorious God.
9 May Indra set our car in front, in foremost Place to win the spoil,
He whom the wicked injure not.
10 Thine enmity may we escape, and, gakra, for thy bounty, rich
In kine, may we come near to thee
11 Softly approaching, Thunder-armed wealthy by hundreds, rich in steeds,
Unrivalled, readywith our gifts.
12 For thine exalted excellence gives to thy worshippers each day
Hundreds and thousands of thy boons.
13 Indra, we know thee breaker-down even of trong forts, winner of spoil,
A:one who conquers wealth for us.
14 Though thou art highest, Sage and Bold let the drops cheer thee when we come
To thee as to a trafficker.
15 Bring unto us the treasure of the opulent man who, loth to give,
Hath slighted thee for gain of wealth.
16 Indra, these friends of ours, supplied with Soma, wait and look to thee,
As men with fodder to the herd.
17 And thee who art not deaf, whose cars are quick to listen, for our aid,
We call to us from far away.
18 When thou hast listened, make our call one which thou never wilt forget,
And be our very nearest Friend.
19 When even now, when we have been in trouble, we have thought of thee,
O Indra, give us gifts of kine.
20 O Lord of Strength, we rest on thee, as old men rest upon a staff:
We long to have. thee dwell with us.
21 To Indra sing a song of praise, Hero of mighty valour, him
Whom no one challenges to war.
22 Hero, the Soma being shed, I pour the juice for thee to drink:
Sate thee and finish thy carouse.
23 Let not the fools, or those who mock beguile thee when they seek thine aid
Love not the enemies of prayer.
24 Here let them with rich milky draught cheer thee to great munificence:
Drink as the wild-bull drinks the lake.
25 Proclaim in our assemblies what deeds, new and ancient, far away,
The Vrtra-slayer hath achieved.
26 In battle of a thousand arms Indra drank Kadru's Soma juice:
There he displayed his manly might.
Rig Veda – English Translation
27 True undeniabIc strength he found in Yadu and in Turvasa,
And conquered through the sacrifice.
28 Him have I magnified, our Lord in, common, Guardian of your folk,
Discloser of great wealth in kine;
29 Rbhuksan, not to be restrained, who strengthened Tugra's son in lauds,
Indra beside the flowingjuice;
30 Who for Trisoka clave the hill that formed a wide receptacle,
So that the cows might issue forth.
31 Whate'er thy plan or purpose be, whate'er, in transport, thou wouldst do,
Do it not, Indra, but be kind.
32 But little hath been heard of done upon the earth by one like thee i
Let thine heart, Indra, turn to us.
33 Thine then shall be this high renown, thine shall these lofty praises be,
When, Indra, thou art kind to us.
34 Not for one trespass, not for two, O Hero, slay us, nor for three,
Nor yet for many trespasses.
35 I fear one powerful like thee, the crusherdown of enemies,
Mighty, repelling all attacks.
36 O wealthy God, ne'er may I live to see my friend or son in need*:
Hitherward let thy heart be turned.
37 What friend, O people, unprovoked, hath ever said unto a friend,
He turns and leaves us in distress?
38 Hero, insatiate enjoy this Soma juice so near to thee,
Even as a hunter rushing down.
39 Hither I draw those Bays of thine yoked
by our hymn, with splendid car,
That thou mayst give unto the priests.
40 Drive all our enemies away, smite down the foes who press around,
And bring the wealth for which we long:
41 O Tndra, that which is concealed in strong firm place precipitous:
Bring us the wealth for which we long
42 Great riches which the world of men shall recognize as sent by thbe:
Bring us the wealth for which we long.
HYMN XLVI. Indra.
1. WE, Indra, Lord of ample wealth, our Guide, depend on one like thee, Thou driver of the Tawny Steeds
.
2 For, Hurler of the Bolt, we know thee true, the giver of our food,
We know the giver of our wealth.
3 O thou whose majesty the bards celebrate with their songs, thou Lord,
Of hundred powers and hundred aids.
4 Fair guidance hath the mortal man whom Aryaman, the Marut host,
And Mitra, void of guile, protect.
5 Kine, steeds, and hero strength he gains, and prospers, by the Adityas sped,
Ever in wealth which all desire.
Rig Veda – English Translation
6 We pray to Indra for his gift, to him the Fearless and the Strong,
We pray to him the Lord of wealth.
7 For verily combined in him are all the fearless powers of aid.
Him, rich in wealth, let swift Steeds bring to us, his Bays, to Soma juice for his carouse:
8 Yea, that most excellent carouse, Indra, which slays most enemies,
With Heroes wins the light of heaven, and is invincible in war:
9 Which merits fame, all-bountiful! and, unsubdued, hath victory in deeds of might.
So come to our libations, Strongest! Excellent! May we obtain a stall of kine.
10 Responding to our wish for cows, for steeds, and chariots, as of old,
Be gracious, Greatest of the Great
11 For, Hero, nowhere can I find the bounds of thy munificence.
Still do thou favour us, O Bolt-armed Maghavan: with strength hast thou rewarded hymns.
12 High, glorifier of his friend, he knows all generations, he whom many praise.
All races of mankind with ladies lifted up invoke that Mighty Indra's aid.
13 Be he our Champion and Protector in great deeds, rich in all wealth, the Vrtra-slayer, Maghavan.
14 In the wild raptures of the juice sing to your Hero with high laud, to him the Wise,
To Indra, glorious in his name, the Mighty One, even as the hymn alloweth it.
15 Thou givest wealth to me myself, thou givest treasure, Excellent! and the strong steed,
O Much-invoked, in deeds of might, yea, even now.
16 Him, Sovran Ruler of all precious things, who even hath power o'er this fair form of his,
As now it taketh shape, and afterward,
17 We praise, so that the Mighty One may speed to you, Pourer of boun ies, Traveller, prepared to go.
Thou favourest the Maruts known to all, by song and sacrifice.
With song and praise I sing to thee.
18 We in the sacrifice perform their will whose voice is lifted high,
The worship of those Thundering Ories who o'er the ridges of these mountains fly in troops.
19 O Indra, Mightiest, bring us that which crushes men of evil minds,
Wealth suited to our needs, O Stirrer of the thought, best wealth, O thou who stirrest thought.
20 O Winner, noble winner, strong, wondrous, most splendid, excellent,
Sole Lord of victory, bring all-ovcrpowering wealth, joy-giving, chief in deeds of might.
21 Now let the godless man approach who hath received reward so great
As Vasa, Asvya, when this light of morning dawned, received from Prthusravas, from Kanita's son.
22 Steeds sixty thousand and ten thousand kine, and twenty hundred camels I obtained;
Ten hundred brown in hue, and other ten red in three spots: in all, ten thousand kine.
23 Ten browns that make my wealth increase, fleet steeds whose tails are long and fair,
Turn with swift whirl my chariot wheel;
24 The gifts which Prthusravas gave, Kanita's son munificent.
He gave a chariot wrought of gold: the prince was passing bountiful, and won himself most lofty fame.
25 Come thou to this great rite of ours, Vayu! to give us vigorous light.
We have served thee that thou mightest give much to us, yea, mightest quickly give great wealth.
26 Who with thrice seven times seventy horses comes to us, invested with the rays of morn,
Through these our Soma-draughts and those who press, to give, drinker of pure bright Soma Juice.
27 Who hath inclined this glorious one, buunteous himself, to give me gifts.
Borne on firm chariot with the prosperous Nahup, wise, to a man yet more devout.
28 Sole Lord in beauty meet for praise, O Vayu, dropping fatness down,
Hurried along by steeds, by camels, and by hounds, spreads forth thy train: even this it is.
29 So, as a prize dear to the strong, the sixty thousand have I gained,
Rig Veda – English Translation
Bulls that resemble vigorous steeds.
30 To me come oxen like a herd, yea, unto me the oxen come.
31 And in the grazing herd he made a hundred camels bleat for me,
And twenty hundred mid the white.
32 A hundred has the sage received, Dasa Balbutha's and Taruksa's gifts.
These are thy people, Vayu, who rejoice with Indra for their guard, rejoice with Gods for guards.
33 And now to Vasa Asvya here this stately woman is led forth,
Adorned with ornaments of gold.
HYMN XLVII. Adityas.
1. GREAT help ye give the worshipper, Varuna, Mitra, Mighty Ones! No sorrow ever reaches him whom
ye,
Adityas, keep from harm. Yours are incomparable aids, and good the succour they afford.
2 O Gods, Adityas, well ye know the way to keep all woes afar.
As the birds spread their sheltering wings, spread your protection over us.
3 As the birds spread their sheltering wings let your protection cover us.
We mean all shelter and defence, ye who have all things for your own.
4 To whomsoever they, Most Wise, have given a home and means of life,
O'er the whole riches of this man they, the Adityas, have control.
5 As drivers of the car avoid ill roads, let sorrows pass us by.
May we be under Indra's guard, in the Adityas' favouring grace.
6 For verily men sink and faint through loss of wealth which ye have given.
Much hath he gained from you, O Gods, whom ye, Adityas, have approached.
7 On him shall no fierce anger fall, no sore distress shall visit him,
To whom, Adityas, ye have lent your shelter that extendeth far.
8 Resting in you, O Gods, we are like men who fight in coats of mail.
Ye guard us from each great offence, ye guard us from each lighter fault.
9 May Aditi defend us, may Aditi guard and shelter us,
Mother of wealthy Mitra and of Aryaman and Varuna.
10 The shelter, Gods, that is secure, auspicious, free from malady,
A sure protection, triply strong, even that do ye extend to us.
11 Look down on us, Adityas, as a guide exploring from the bank.
Lead us to pleasant ways as men lead horses to an easy ford.
12 Ill be it for the demons' friend to find us or come near to us.
But for the milch-cow be it well, and for the man who strives for fame.
13 Each evil deed made manifest, and that which is concealed, O Gods,
The whole thereof remove from us to Trita Aptya far away.
14 Daughter of Heaven, the dream that bodes evil to us or to our kine,
Remove, O Lady of the Light, to Trita Aptya far away.
15 Even if, O Child of Heaven, it make a garland or a chain of gold,
The whole bad dream, whate'cr it be, to Trita Aptya we consign.
16 To him whose food and work is this, who comes to take his share therein,
To Trita, and to Dvita, Dawn! bear thou the evil dream away.
17 As we collect the utmost debt, even the eighth and sixteenth part,
So unto Aptya we transfer together all the evil dream.
Rig Veda – English Translation
18 Now have we conquered and obtained, and from our trespasses are free.
Shine thou away the evil dream, O Dawn, whereof we are afraid. Yours are incomparable aids, and good t
he
succour they afford.
HYMN XLVIII. Soma.
1. WISELY have I enjoyed the savoury viand, religious-thoughted, best to find out treasure,
The food to which all Deities and mortals, calling it meath, gather themselves together.
2 Tlou shalt be Aditi as thou hast entered within, appeaser of celestial anger.
Indu, enjoying Indra's friendship, bring us - as a swift steed the car - forward to riches.
3 We have drunk Soma and become immortal; we have attained the light, the Gods discovered.
Now what may foeman's malice do to harm us? What, O Immortal, mortal man's deception?
4 Absorbed into the heart, be sweet, O Indu, as a kind father to his son, O Soma,
As a wise Friend to friend: do thou, wide-ruler, O Soma, lengthen out our days for living.
5 These glorious drops that give me freedom have I drunk. Closely they knit my joints as straps secure a c
ar.
Let them protect my foot from slipping on the way: yea, let the drops I drink preserve me from disease.
6 Make me shine bright like fire produced by friction: give us a clearer sight and make us better.
For in carouse I think of thee, O Soma, Shall I, as a rich man, attain to comfort?
7 May we enjoy with an enlivened spirit the juice thou givest, like ancestral riches.
O Soma, King, prolong thou our existence as Surya makes the shining days grow longer.
8 King Soma, favour us and make us prosper: we are thy devotees; of this be mindful.
Spirit and power are fresh in us, O Indu give us not up unto our foeman's pleasure.
9 For thou hast settled in each joint, O Soma, aim of men's eyes and guardian of our bodies.
When we offend against thine holy statutes, as a kind Friend, God, best of all, be gracious.
10 May I be with the Friend whose heart is tender, who, Lord of Bays! when quaffed will never harm me
-
This Soma now deposited within me. For this, I pray for longer life to Indra.
11 Our maladies have lost their strength and vanished: they feared, and passed away into the darkness.
Soma hath risen in us, exceeding mighty, and we are come where men prolong existence.
12, Fathers, that Indu which our hearts have drunken, Immortal in himself, hath entered mortals.
So let us serve this Soma with oblation, and rest securely in his grace and favour.
13 Associate with the Fathers thou, O Soma, hast spread thyself abroad through earth and heaven.
So with oblation let us serve thee, Indu, and so let us become the lords of riches,
14 Give us your blessing, O ye Gods' preservers. Never may sleep or idle talk control us.
But evermore may we, as friends of Soma, speak to the synod with brave sons around us.
15 On all sides,. Soma, thou art our life-giver: aim of all eyes, light-finder, come within us.
Indu, of one accord with thy protections both from behind and from before preserve us.
HYMN XLIX. Agni.
1. AGNI, come hither with thy fires; we choose thee as Invoking Priest. Let the extended ladle full of oil
balm thee, best Priest, to sit on sacred grass.
2 For unto thee, O Angiras, O Son of Strength, move ladles in the sacrifice.
To Agni, Child of Force, whose locks drop oil, we seek, foremost in sacrificial rites.
Rig Veda – English Translation
3 Agni, thou art Disposer, Sage, Herald, bright God! and worshipful,
Best offercr, cheerful, to be praised in holy rites, pure Lord! by singers with their hymns.
4 Most Youthful and Eternal, bring the longing Gods to me, the guileless, for the feast.
Come, Vasu, to the banquet that is well-prepared: rejoice thee, gracious, with our songs.
5 Famed art thou, Agni, far and wide, Preserver, righteous, and a Sage.
The holy singers, O refulgent kindled God! arrangers, call on thee to come -
6 Shine, Most Resplendent! blaze, send bliss unto the folk, and to thy worshipper
Great art thou.
So may my princes, with good fires, subduing foes, rest in the keeping of the Gods.
7 O Agni, as thou burnest down to earth even high-grown underwood,
So, bright as Mitra is, burn him who injures us, him who plots ill against thy friend.
8 Give us not as a prey to mortal enemy, nor to the wicked friend of fiends.
With conquering guards, auspicious, unassailable, protect us, O Most Youthful God.
9 Protect us, Agni, through the first, protect us through the second hymn,
Protect us through three hymns, O Lord of Power and Might, through four hymns, Vasu, guard thou us.
10 Preserve us from each fiend who brings the Gods no gift, preserve thou us in deeds of strength:
For we possess in thee the nearest Friend of all, for service of the Gods and weal.
11 O Holy Agni, give us wealth renowned with men and strengthening life.
Bestow on us, O Helper, that which many crave, more glorious still by righteousness;
12 Wherewith we may o'ercome our rivals in the war, o'erpowering the foe's designs.
So wax thou by our food, O Excellent in strength. Quicken our thoughts that find out wealth.
13 Agni is even as a bull who whets and brandishes his horns.
Well-sharp ened are his jaws which may not be withstood: the Child of Strength hath powerful teeth.
14 Not to be stayed, O Bull, O Agni, are thy teeth when thou art spreading far and wide.
Make our ohlations duly offired up, O Priest, and give us store of precious things.
15 Thou liest in the wood: from both thy Mothers mortals kindle thee.
Unweariedly thou bearest up the offerer's gifts, then shinest bright among the Gods.
16 And so the seven priests, O Agni, worship thee, Free-giver, Everlasting One.
Thou cIeavest through the rock with heat and fervent glow. Agni, rise up above the men.
17 For you let us whose grass is trimmed call Agni, Agni, restless God.
Let us whose food is offered call to all the tribes Agni the Invoking Priest of men.
18 Agni, with noble psalm that tells his wish he dwells, thinking on thee who guardest him.
Speedily bring us strength of many varied sorts to be most near to succour us.
19 Agni, Praise-singer! Lord of men, God burner-up of Raksasas,
Mighty art thou, the ever-present Household-Lord, Home-friend and Guardian from the sky.
20 Let no fiend come among us, O thou rich in light, no spell of those who deal in spells.
To distant pastures drive faint hunger: far away, O Agni, chase the demons' friends.
HYMN L. Indra.
1. BOTH boons,-may Indra, hitherward turned, listen to this prayer of ours,
And mightiest Maghavan with thought inclined to us come near to drink the Soma juice.
2 For him, strong, independent Ruler, Heaven and Earth have fashioned forth for power and might.
Thou seatest thee as first among thy peers in place, for thy soul longs for Soma juice.
3 Fill thyself full, O Lord of wealth, O Indra, with the juice we shed.
We know thee, Lord of Bay Steeds victor in the fight, vanquishing e'en the invincible.
Rig Veda – English Translation
4 Changeless in truth, O Maghavan Indra, let it be as thou in wisdom willest it.
May we, O fair of check, win booty with thine aid, O Thunderer, swiftly seeking it.
5 Indra, with all thy saving helps give us assistance, Lord of power.
For after thee we follow even as glorious bliss, thee, Hero, finder-out of wealth.
6 Increaser of our steeds and multiplying kine, a golden well, O God, art thou,
For no one may impair the gifts laid up in thee. Bring me whatever thing I ask.
7 For thou,-come to the worshipper!-wilt find great wealth to make us rich.
Fill thyself full, O Maghavan, for gain of kine, full, Indra, for the gain of steeds.
8 Thou as thy gift bestowest many hundred herds, yea, many thousands dost thou give.
With singers' hymns have we brought the Fort-render near, singing to Indra for his grace.
9 Whether the simple or the sage, Indra, have offered praise to thee,
He Satakratu! by his love hath gladdened thee, ambitious! ever pressing on!
10 If he the Strong of arm, the breaker-down of forts, the great Destroyer, hear my call,
We, seeking riches cry to Indra, Lord of wealth, to Satakratu with our lauds.
11 We count not then as sinners, nor as niggardly or foolish men,
When with the Soma juice which we have shed we make Indra, the Mighty One, our Friend.
12 Him have we yoked in fight, the powerful Conqueror, debt-claimer, not to be deceived.
Best charioteer, the Victor marks each fault, he knows the strong to whom he will come near.
13 Indra, give us security from that whereof we are afraid.
Help us, O Maghavan, let thy succour give us this: drive away foes and enemies.
14 For thou, O liberal Lord of bounty, strengthenest his ample home who worships thee.
So Indra, Maghavan, thou Lover of the Song, we with pressed Soma call on thee,
15 Indra is Vrtra-slayer, guard, our best defender from the foe.
May he preserve our last and middlemost, and keep watch from behind us and before.
16 Defend us from behind, below, above, in front, on all sides, Indra, shield us well.
Keep far away from us the terror sent from heaven: keep impious weapons far away.
17 Protect us, Indra, each to-day, each morrow, and each following day.
Our singers, through all days, shalt thou, Lord of the brave, keep safely both by day and night.
18 A crushing Warrior, passing rich is Maghavan, endowed with all heroic might.
Thine arms, O Satakratu, are exceeding strong, arms which have grasped the thunderbolt.
HYMN LI. Indra.
1. OFFER ye up as praise to him that wherein Indra takes delight. The Soma-bringers magnify Indra's gre
at energy with hymns. Good are the gifts that Indra gives.
2 Sole among chiefs, companionless, impetuous, and peerless, he
Hath waxen great o'er many folk, yea., over all things born, in might.
3 Lord of swift bounty, he will win e'en with a steed of worthless sort.
This, Indra, must be told of thee who wilt perform heroic deeds.
4 Come to us.hither: let us pay devotions that enhance thy might,
For which, Most Potent! thou wouldst fain bless the man here who strives for fame.
5 For thou, O Indra, makest yet more bold the spirit of the bold
Who with strong Soma serveth thee, still ready with his reverent prayers.
6 Worthy of song, he looketh down as a man looketh into wells.
Pleased with the Soma-bringer's skill he maketh him his mate and friend.
7 In strength and wisdom all the Gods, Indra, have yielded unto thee.
Be thou the Guard of all, O thou whom many praise.
Rig Veda – English Translation
8 Praised, Indra, is this might of thine, best for the service of the Gods,
That thou with power dost slay Vrtra, O Lord of Strength.
9 He makes the races of mankind like synods of the Beauteous One.
Indra knows this his manifest deed, and is renowned.
10 Thy might, O Indra, at its birth, thee also, and thy mental power,
In thy care, Maghavan rich in kine! they have increased exceedingly.
11 O Vrtra-slayer, thou and I will both combine for winning spoil.
Even malignity will consent, O Bolt-armed Hero, unto us.
12 Let us extol this Indra as truthful and never as untrue.
Dire is his death who pours no gifts great light hath he who offers them. Good are the gifts that Indra give
s.
HYMN LII. Indra.
1. WITH powers of Mighty Ones hath he, Ancient, Beloved, been equipped, Through whom the Father M
anu made prayers cfficacious with the Gods.
2 Him, Maker of the sky, let stones wet with the Soma ne'er forsake,
Nor hymns and prayer that must be said.
3 Indra who knew full well disclosed the kine to the Angirases.
This his great deed must be extolled.
4 Indra, promoter of the song, the sage's Strengthener as of old,
Shall come to bless and succour us at presentation of this laud.
5 Now after their desire's intent the pious singers with the cry
Of Hail! have sung loud hymns to thee, Indra, to gain a stall of kine.
6 With Indra rest all deeds of might, deeds done and yet to be performed,
Whom singers know devoid of guile.
7 When the Five Tribes with all their men to Indra have sent out their voice,
And when the priest hath strewn much grass, this is the Friend's own dwellingpiace.
8 This praise is verily thine own: thou hast performed these manly deeds,
And sped the wheel upon its way.
9 At the o'erflowing of this Steer, boldly he strode for life, and took
Soma as cattle take their corn.
10 Receiving this and craving help, we, who with you are Daksa's sons,
Would fain exalt the Maruts' Lord.
11 Yea, Hero, with the singers we sing.to the duly-coming Band.
Allied with tbee may we prevail.
12 With us are raining Rudras, clouds accordant in call to battle, at the death of Vrtra,
The strong assigned to him who sings and praises. May Gods with Indra at their head protect us.
HYMN LIII. Andra.
1. MAY our hymns give thee great delight. Display thy bounty, Thunderer.
Drive off the enemies of prayer.
2 Crush with thy foot the niggard churls who bring no gifts. Mighty art thou
Rig Veda – English Translation
There is not one to equal thee.
3 Thou art the Lord of Soma pressed, Soma impressed is also thine.
Thou art the Sovran of the folk.
4 Come, go thou forth, dwelling in heaven and listening to the prayers of men:
Thou fillest both the heavens and earth.
5 Even that hill with rocky heights, with hundreds, thousands, held within.
Thou for thy worshippers brakest through.
6 We call on thee both night and day to taste the flowing Soma juice:
Do thou fulfil our heart's desire.
7 Where is that ever-youthful Steer, strong. necked and never yet bent down?
What Brahman ministers to him?
8 To whose libation doth the Steer, betake him with delight therein?
Who takes delight in Indra now?
9 Whom, Vrtra-slayer, have thy gift and hero powers accompanied?
Who is thy dearest in the laud?
10 For thee among mankind, among the Purus is this Soma shed.
Hasten thou hither: drink thereof.
11 This, growing by Soma and by Saryanavan, dear to thee,
In Arjikiya, cheers thee best.
12 Hasten thou hitherward, and drink this for munificence to-day,
Delightful for thine eager draught.
HYMN LIV. Indra.
1. THOUGH, Indra, thou art called by men from east and west, from north and soutb,
Come hither quickly with fleet steeds
2 If in the effluence of heaven, rich in its light, thou takest joy,
Or in the sea in Soma juice.
3 With songs I call thee, Great and Wide, even as a cow to profit us,
Indra, to drink the Soma-draught.
4 Hither, O Indra, let thy Bays bear up and, bring upon thy car
Thy glory, God! and majesty.
5 Thou, Indra, wouldst be sung and praised as great, strong, lordly in thy deeds
Come hither, drink our Soma juice.
6 We who have shed the Soma and prepared the feast are calling thee.
To sit on this our sacred grass.
7 As, Indra, thou art evermore the common Lord of all alike,
As such we invocate thee now.
8 The men with stones have milked for thee this nectar of the Soma juice:
Indra, be pleased with it, and drink.
9 Neglect all pious men with skill in sacred song: come hitherward,
With speed, and give us high renown.
10 Gods, may the mighty rest unharmed, the King who gives me spotted kine,
Kine decked with golden ornaments.
11 Beside a thousand spotted kine I have received a gift of gold,
Pure, brilliant, and exceeding great.
Rig Veda – English Translation
12 Durgaha's grandsons, giving me a thousand kine, munificent,
Have won renown among the Gods.
HYMN LV. Indra.
1.
1. LOUD singing at the sacred rite where Soma flows we priests invoke With haste, that he may h
elp, as the bard's Cherisher, Indra who findeth wealth for you.
2.
2. Whom with fair helm, in rapture of the juice, the firm resistless slayers hinder not:
Giver of glorious wealth to him who sing a his praise, honouring him who toils and pours:
3 Sakra, who like a curry-comb for horses or a golden goad,
Indra, the Vrtra-slayer, urges eagerly the opening of the stall of kine:
4 Who for the worshipper scatters forth ample wealth, even though buried, piled in heaps:
May Indra, Lord of Bay Steeds, fair-helmed Thunderer, act at his pleasure, as he lists.
5 Hero whom many praise, what thou hast longed for, oven of old, from men.
All that we offer unto thee, O Indra, now, sacrifice, laud, effectual speech.
6 To Soma, Much-invoked, Bolt-armed! for thy carouse, Celestial, Soma-drinker come.
Thou to the man who- prays and pours the juice hast been best giver of delightful wealth.
7 Here, verily, yesterday we let the Thunder-wielder drink his fill.
So in like manner offer him the jifice today. Now range you by the Glorious One.
8 Even the wolf, the savage beast that rends the sheep, follows the path of his decrees.
So graciously accepting, Indra, this our praise, with wondrous thought come forth to us.
9 What manly deed of vigour now remains that Indra hath not done?
Who hath not heard his glorious title and his fame, the Vrtra-slayer from his birth?
10 'How great his power resistless! how invincible the Vrtra-slayer's matchless might!
Indra excels all usurers who see the day, excels all traffickers in strength.
11 O Indra, Vrtra-slayer, we, thy very constant worshippers,
Bring prayers ne'er heard before to thee, O Much-invoked, O Thunder-armed, to be thy meed.
12 O thou of mighty acts, the aids that are in thee call forward many an eager hope.
Past the drink-offerings, Vasu, even of the good, hear my call, Strongest God, and come.
13 Verily, Indra, we are thine, we worshippers depend on thee.
For there is none but only thou to show us race, O Maghavan, thou much invoked.
14 From this our misery and famine set us free, from this dire curse deliver us.
Succour us with thine help and with tby wondrous thought. Most Mighty, finder of the way.
15 Now let your Soma juice be poured; be not afraid, O Kali's sons.
This darkening sorrow goes away; yea, of itself it vanishes.
HYMN LVI. Adityas.
1. Now pray we to these Ksatriyas, to the Adityas for their aid, These who are gracious to assist.
2 May Mitra bear us oer distress, and V aruna and Aryaman,
Yea, the Adityas, as they know.
3 For wonderful and meet for praise is these Adityas' saving help
To him who offers and prepares.
4 The mighty aid of you, the Great, Varuna, Mitra, Aryarnan,
We claim to be our sure defence.
Rig Veda – English Translation
5 Guard us, Adityas, still alive, before the deadly weapon strike:
Are yc not they who hear our call?
6 What sheltering defence ye have for him who toils in pouring gifts,
Graciously bless ye us therewith.
7 Adityas, Gods, from sorrow there is freedom; for the sinless, wealth,
O ye in whom no fault is seen.
8 Let not this fetter bind us fast: may he release us for success;
For strong is Indra and renowned.
9 O Gods who fain would lend your aid, destroy not us as ye destroy
Your enemies who go astray.
10 And thee too, O Great Aditi, thee also, Goddess, I address,
Thee very gracious to assist.
11 Save us in depth and shallow from the foe, thbu Mother of Strong Sons
Let no one of our seed be harmed.
12 Far-spread! wide-ruling! grant that we, unharmed by envy, may expand
Grant that our progeny may live.
13 Those who, the Princes of the folk, in native glory, neer deceived,
Maintain their statutes, void of guilt-
14 As such, from mouth of ravening wolves, O ye Adityas, rescue us,
Like a bound thief, O Aditi.
15 Adityas, let this arrow, yea, let this mali. gnity depart
From us or eer it strike us dead.
16 Fori Bountiful Adityas, we have evermore enjoyed your help,
Both now and in die days of old.
17 To every one, O ye Most Wise, who turneth even from sin to you,
Ye Gods vouchsafe that he may live.
18 May this new mercy profit us, which, ye Adityas, frees like one,
Bound from his bonds, O Aditi.
19 O ye Adityas, this your might is not to be despised by us:
So be ye graciously inclined.
20 Let not Vivasvan's weapon nor the shaft, Adityas, wrought with skill,
Destroy us ere old age be nigh.
21 On every side dispel all sin, Adityas, all hostility,
Indigence, and combined attack.
HYMN LVII. Indra.
1. EVEN as a car to give us aid, we draw thee hither for our bliss, Strong in thy deeds, checking assault, L
ord, Mightiest Indra, of the brave!
2 Great in tby power and wisdom, Strong, with thought that comprehendeth all
Thou hast filled full with majesty.
3 Thou very Mighty One, whose hands by virtue of thy greatness grasp,
The golden bolt that breaks its way.
4 Your Lord of might that ne'er hath bent, that ruleth over all mankind,
I call, that he, as he is wont, may aid the chariots and the men.
5 Whom, ever furthering, in frays that win the light, in both the hosts
Men call to succour and to help.
Rig Veda – English Translation
6 Indra, the Strong, the measureless, worthy of praise, Most Bountiful,
Sole Ruler even over wealth.
7 Him, for his ample bounty, him, this Indra do I urge to drink,
Who, as his praise was sung of old, the Dancer, is the Lord of men.
8 Thou Mighty One, whose friendship none of mortals ever hath obtained
None will attain unto thy might.
9 Aided by thee, with thee allied, in frays for water and for sun,
Bolt-armed! may we win ample spoil.
10 So seek we thee with sacrifice and songs, chief Lover of the Song,
As, in our battles Indra, thou to Purumayya gavest help.
11 O Thunderer, thou whose friendship and whose onward guidance both are sweet,
Thy sacrifice must be prepared.
12 To us, ourselves, give ample room, give for our dwelling ample room
Give ample room to us to live.
13 We count the banquet of the Gods a spacious pathway for the men,
And for the cattle, and the car.
14 Six men, yea, two and two, made glad with Soma juice, come near to me
With offerings pleasant to the taste.
15 Two brown-hued steeds, Indrota's gift, two bays from Rksa's son were mine,
From Asvamedha's son two red.
16 From Atithigva good car-steeds; from Arksa rein-obeying steeds,
From Asvamedha beauteous ones.
17 Indrota, Atithigva's son, gave me six horses matched with mares
And Patakratu gave besides.
18 Marked above all, amid the brown, is the red mare Vrsanvati,
Obedient to the rein and whip.
19 O bound to me by deeds of might, not even the man who loves to blame.
Hath found a single fault in you.
HYMN LVIII. Indra.
1. I SEND you forth the song of praise for Indu, hero-gladdener. With hymn and plenty he invites you to
complete the sacrifice.
2 Thou wishest for thy kine a bull, for those who long for his approach,
For those who turn away from him, lord of thy cows whom none may kill.
3 The dappled kine who stream with milk prepare his draught of Soma juice:
Clans in the birth-place of the Gods, in the three luminous realms of heaven.
4 Praise, even as he is known, with song Indra the guardian of the kine,
The Son of Truth, Lord of the brave.
5 Hither his Bay Steeds have been sent, red Steeds are on the sacred grass,,
Where we in concert sing our songs.
6 For Indra Thunder-armed the kine have yielded mingled milk and meath,
What time he found them in the vault.
7 When I and Indra mount on high up to the Bright One's place and home,
We, having drunk of meath, will reach his seat whose Friends are three times seven.
8 Sing, sing ye forth your songs of praise, ye Briyamedhas, sing your songs:
Rig Veda – English Translation
Yea, let young children sing their lauds as a strong castle praise ye him.
9 Now loudly let the viol sound, the lute send out its voice with might,
Shrill be, the music of the string. To Indra. is the hymn up-raised.
10 When bither speed the dappled cows, unflinching, easy to be milked,
Seize quickly, as it bursts away, the Soma juice for Indra's drink.
11 Indra hath drunk, Agni hath drunk. all Deities have drunk their fill.
Here Varuna shall have his home, to whom the floods have sung aloud as motherkine unto their calves.
12 Thou, Varuna, to whom belong Seven Rivers, art a glorious God.
The waters flow into thy throat as 'twere a pipe with ample mouth.
13 He who hath made the fleet steeds spring, well-harnessed, to the worshipper,
He, the swift Guide, is that fair form that loosed the horses near at hand.
14 Indra, the very Mighty, holds his enemies in utter scorn.
He, far away, and yet a child, cleft the cloud smitten by his voice.
15 He, yet a boy exceeding small, mounted his newly-fashioned car.
He for his Mother and his Sire cooked the wild mighty buffalo.
16 Lord of the home, fair-helmeted, ascend thy chariot wrought of gold.
We will attend the Heavenly One, the thousand-footed, red of hue, matchless, who blesses where he goes
.
17 With reverence they come hitherward to him as to. a Sovran lord,
That they may bring him near for this man's good success, to prosper and bestow his gifts.
18 The Priyamedhas have observed the offering of the men of old,
Of ancient custom, while they strewed the sacred grass, and spread their sacrificial food.
HYMN LIX. Indra.
1. HE who, as Sovran Lord of men, moves with his chariots unrestrained, The Vrtra-slayer vanquisher, of
fighting hosts, preeminent, is praised with song.
2 Honour that Indra, Puruhanman! for his aid, in whose sustaining hand of old,
The splendid bolt of thunder was deposited, as the great Sun was set in heaven.
3 No one by deed attains to him who works and strengthens evermore:
No, not by sacrifice, to Indra. praised o all, resistless, daring, bold in might.
4 The potent Conqueror, invincible in war, him at whose birth the Mighty Ones,
The Kine who spread aftar, sent their loud voices out, heavens, earths seat their loud voices out,
5 O Indra, if a hundred heavens and if a hundred earths were thine-
No, not a thousand Suns could match thee at thy birth, not both the worlds, O Thunderer.
6 Thou, Hero, hast performed thy hero deeds with might, yea, all with strength, O Strongest One.
Maghavan, help us to a stable full of kine, O Thunderer, with wondrous aids.
7 Let not a godless mortal gain this food, O thou whose life is long!
But one who yokes the bright-hued steeds, the Etasas, even Indra yoker of the Bays.
8 Urge ye the Conqueror to give, your Indra greatly to be praised,
To be invoked in shallow waters and in depths, to be invoked in deeds of might.
9 O Vasu, O thou Hero, raise us up to ample opulence.
Raise us to gain of mighty wealth, O Maghavan, O Indra, to sublime renown.
10 Indra, thou justifiest us, and tramplest down thy slanderers.
Guard thyself, valiant Hero, in thy vital parts: strike down the Dasa with thy blows.
11 The man who brings no sacrifice, inhuman, godless, infidel,
Rig Veda – English Translation
Him let his friend the mountain cast to rapid death, the mountain cast the Dasyu down.
12 O Mightiest Indra, loving us, gather thou up, as grains of corn,
Within thine hand, of these their kine, to give away, yea, gather twice as loving us.
13 O my companions, wish for power. How may we perfect Sara's praise,
The liberal princely patron, never to be harmed?
14 By many a sage whose grass is trimmed thou art continually praised,
That thou, O Sara, hast bestowed here one and here another'calf.
15 The noble, Suradeva's son, hath brought a calf, led by the car to three of us.
As a chief brings a goat to milk.
HYMN LX. Agni.
1. O AGNI, with thy mighty wealth guard us from all malignity, Yea, from all hate of mortal man.
2 For over thee, O Friend from birih, the wrath of man hath no control:
Nay, Guardian of the earth art thou.
3 As such, with all the Gods, O Son of Strength, auspicious in thy flame.
Give us wealth bringing all things good.
4 Malignities stay not from wealth the mortal man whom, Agni, thou
Protectest while he offers gifts.
5 Sage Agni, be whom thou dost urge, in worship of the Gods, to wealth,
With thine assistance winneth kine.
6 Riches with many heroes thou hast for the man who offers gifts:
Lead thou us on to higher bliss.
7 Save us, O Jatavedas, nor abandon us to him who sins,
Unto the evil-hearted man.
8 O Agni, let no godless man avert thy bounty as a God:
Over all treasures thou art Lord.
9 So, Son of Strength, tbou aidest us to what is great and excellent.
Those, Vasu! Friend! who sing thy praise.
10 Let our songs come anear to him beauteous and bright with piercing flame
Our offerings, with our homage, to the
Lord of wealth, to him whom many praise, for help:
11 To Agni Jatavedas, to the Son of Strength, that he may give us precious gifts,
Immortal, from of old Priest among mortal men, the most delightful in the house.
12 Agni, made yours by sacrifice, Agni, while holy rites advance;
Agni, the first in songs, first with the warrior steed; Agril to win the land for us.
13 May Agni who is Lord of wealth vouchsafe us food for friendship sake.
Agni we ever seek for seed and progeny, the Vasu who protects our lives.
14 Solicit with your chants, for help, Agni the God with piercing flame,
For riches famous Agni, Purumilha and ye men! Agni to light our dwelling well.
15 Agni we laud that he may keep our foes afar, Agni to give us health and strength.
Let him as Guardian be invoked in all the tribes, the lighter-up of glowing brands.
HYMN LXI. Agni.
1. PREPARE oblation: let him come; and let the minister serve again Who knows the ordering thereof,
2 Rejoicing in his friendship, let the priest be seated over man,
Rig Veda – English Translation
Beside the shoot of active power.
3 Him, glowing bright beyond all thought, they seek among the race of man;
With him for tougue they seize the food.
4 He hath inflamed the twofold plain: lifegiving, he hath climbed the wood,
And with his tongue hath struck the rock.
5 Wandering here the radiant Calf finds none to fetter him, and seeks
The Mother to declare his praise.
6 And now that great and mighty team, the team of horses that are his,
And traces of his car, are seen.
7 The seven milk a single cow; the two set other five to work,
On the stream's loud-resounding bank.
8 Entreated by Vivasvan's ten, Indra cast down the water-jar
With threefold hammer from the sky.
9 Three times the newIy-kindled flame proceeds around the sacrifice:
The priests anoint it with the meath.
10 With reverence they drain the fount that circles with its wheel above,
Exhaustless, with the mouth below.
11 The pressing-stones are set at work: the meath is poured into the tank,
At the out-shedding of the fount.
12 Ye cows, protect the fount: the two Mighty Ones bless the sacrifice.
The handles twain are wrought of gold.
13 Pour on the juice the ornament which reaches both the heaven and earth
Supply the liquid to the Bull.
14 These know their own abiding-place: like calves beside the mother cows
They meet together with their kin.
15 Devouring in their greedy jaws, they make sustaining food in heaven,
To Indra, Agni light and prayer.
16 The Pious One milked out rich food, sustenance dealt in portions seven,
Together with the Sun's seven rays.
17 I took some Soma when the Sun rose up, O Mitra, Varuna.
That is the sick man's medicine.
18 From where oblations must be laid, which is the Well-beloved's home,
He with his tongue hath compassed heaven.
HYMN LXII. Asvins.
1. ROUSE ye for him who keeps the Law, yoke your steeds, Aiyins, to your car
Let your protecting help be near.
2 Come, Asvins, with your car more swift than is the twinkling of an eye
Let your protecting help be near.
3 Asvins, ye overlaid with cold the fiery pit for Atri's sake:
Let your protecting help be near.
4 Where are ye? whither are ye gone? whither, like falcons, have ye flown?
Let your protecting help be near.
5 If ye at any time this day are listening to this my call,
Let your protecting help be near.
Rig Veda – English Translation
6 The Asvins, fust to hear our prayer, for closest kinship I approach:
Let your protecting help be near.
7 For Atri ye, O Asvins, made a dwellingplace to shield him well,
Let your protecting help be near.
8 Ye warded off the fervent heat for Atri when he sweetly spake:
Let your protecting help be near.
9 Erst Saptavadbri by his prayer obtained the trenchant edge of fire:
Let your protecting help be near.
10 Come hither, O ye Lords of wealth, and listen to this call of mine:
Let your protecting help be near.
11 What is this praise told forth of you as Elders in the ancient way?
Let your protecting help be near.
12 One common brotherhood is yours, Asvins your kindred is the same:
Let your protecting help be near.
13 This is your chariot, Asvins, which speeds through the regions, earth and heaven
Let your protecting aid be near.
14 Approach ye hitherward to us with thousands both of steeds and kine:
Let your protecting help be near.
15 Pass us not by, remember us with thousands both of kine aud steeds:
Let your protecting help be near.
16 The purple-tinted Dawn hath risen, and true to Law hath made the light
Let your protecting help be near.
17 He looked upon the Asvins, as an axearmed man upon a tree:
Let your protecting help be near.
18 By the black band encompassed round, break it down, bold one, like a fort.
Let your protecting help be near.
HYMN LXIII. Agni.
1. EXERTING all our strength with thoughts of power we glorify in speech
Agni your dear familiar Friend, the darling Guest in every home.
2 Whom, served with sacrificial oil like Mitra, men presenting gifts
Eulogize with their songs of praise
3 Much-lauded Jatavedas, him who bears oblations up to heaven
Prepared in service of the Gods.
4 To noblest Agni, Friend of man, best Vrtra-slayer, are we come,
Him in whose presence Rksa's son, mighty Srutarvan, waxes great;
5 To deathless Jatavedas, meet for praise, adored, with sacred oil,
Visible through the gloom o:f night
6 Even Agni whom these priestly men worship with sacrificial gifts,
With lifted ladles offering them.
7 O Agni, this our newest hymn hath been addressed from us to thee,
O cheerful Guest, well-born, most wise, worker of wonders, ne'er deceived.
8 Agni, may it be dear to thee, most grateful, and exceeding sweet:
Grow mightier, eulogized therewith.
9 Splendid with splendours may it be, and in the battle with the foe
Rig Veda – English Translation
Add loftier glory to thy fame.
10 Steed, cow, a lord of heroes, bright like Indra, who shall fill the car.
Whose high renown ye celebrate, and people praise each glorious deed.
11 Thou whom Gopavana made glad with song, O Agni Angiras,
Hear this my call, thou Holy One.
12 Thou whom the priestly folk implore to aid the gathering of the spoil,
Such be thou in the fight with foes.
13 I, called to him who reels with joy, Srutarvan, Rksa's son, shall stroke
The heads of four presented steeds, like the long wool of fleecy rams.
14 Four coursers with a splendid car, Savistha's horses, fleet of foot,
Shall bring me to the sacred feast, as flying steeds brought Tugra's son.
15 The very truth do I declare to thee, Parusni, mighty flood.
Waters! no man is there who gives more horses than Savistha gives.
HYMN LXIV. Agni.
1. YOKE, Agni, as a charioteer, thy steeds who best invite the Gods: As ancient Herald seat thyself.
2 And, God, as skilfullest of all, call for us bitherward the Gods:
Give all our wishes sure effect.
3 For thou, Most Youthful, Son of Strength, thou to whom sacrifice is paid,
Art holy, faithful to the Law.
4 This Agni, Lord of wealth and spoil hundredfold, thousandfold, is head
And chief of riches and a Sage.
5 As craftsmen bend the felly, so bend at our general call: come nigh,
Angiras, to the sacrifice.
6 Now, O Virupa, rouse for him, Strong God who shines at early morn,
Fair praise with voice that ceases not.
7 With missile of this Agni, his who looks afar, will we lay low
The thief in combat for the kine.
8 Let not the Companies of Gods fail us, like Dawns that float away,
Like cows who leave the niggardly.
9 Let not the sinful tyranny of any fiercely hating foe
Smite us, as billows smite a ship.
10 O Agni, God, the people sing reverent praise to thee for strength:
With terrors trouble thou the foe.
11 Wilt thou not, Agni, lend us aid in winning cattle, winning wealth?
Maker of room, make room for us.
12 In this great battle cast us not aside as one who bears a load:
Snatch up the wealih and win it all.
13 O Agni, let this plague pursue and fright another and not us:
Make our impetuous strength more strong.
14 The reverent or unwearied man whose holy labour he accepts,
Him Agni favours with success.
15 Abandoning the foeman's host pass hither to this company:
Assist the men with whom I stand.
16 As we have known thy gracious help, as of a Father, long ago,
Rig Veda – English Translation
So now we pray to thee for bliss.
HYMN LXV. Indra.
I. NOT to forsake me, I invoke this Indra girt by Maruts, Lord Of magic power who rules with might.
2 This Indra with his Marut Friends clave into pieces Vrtra's bead
With hundred-knotted thunderbolt.
3 Indra, with Marut Friends grown strong, hath rent asunder Vrtra, and
Released the waters of the sea.
4 This is that Indra who, begirt by Maruts, won the light of heaven
That he might drink the Soma juice.
5 Mighty, impetuous, begirt by Maruts, him who loudly roars,
Indra we invocate with songs.
6 Indra begirt by Maruts we invoke after the ancient plan,
That he may drink the Soma juice.
7 O liberal Indra, Marut-girt, much-lauded Satakratu, drink
The Soma at this sacrifice.
8 To thee, O Indra, Marut-girt, these Soma juices, Thunderer!
Are offered from the heart with lauds.
9 Drink, Indra, with thy Marut Friends, pressed Soma at the morning rites,
Whetting thy thunderbolt with strength.
10 Arising in thy might, thy jaws thou shookest, Indra, having quaffed
The Soma which the mortar pressed.
11 Indra, both worlds complained to thee when uttering thy fearful roar,
What time thou smotest Dasyus dead.
12 From Indra have I measured out a song eight-footed with nine parts,
Delicate, faithful. to the Law.
HYMN LXVI. Indra.
1.
1. SCARCELY was Satakratu, born when of his Mother he inquired, Who are the mighty? Who a
re famed?
2.
2. Then Savassi declared to him Aurnavabha, Ahisuva: Son, these be they thou must o'erthrow
3 The Vrtra-slayer smote them all as spokes are hammered into naves:
The Dasyu-killer waxed in might.
4 Then Indra at a single draught drank the contents of thirty pails,
Pails that were filled with Soma juice.
5 Indra in groundless realms of space pierced the Gandharva through, that he
Might make Brahmans' strength increase.
6 Down from the mountains Indra shot hither his well-directed shaft:
He gained the ready brew of rice.
7 One only is that shaft of thine, with thousand feathers, hundred barbs,
Which, Indra, thou hast made thy friend.
8 Strong as the gbhus at thy birth, therewith to those who praise thee, men,
And women, bring thou food to eat.
9 By thee these exploits were achieved, the mightiest deeds, abundantly:
Rig Veda – English Translation
Firm in thy heart thou settest them.
10 All these things Visnu brought, the Lord of ample stride whom thou hadst sent-
A hundred buffaloes, a brew of rice and milk: and Indra, slew the ravening boar
11 Most deadly is thy bow, successful, fashioned well: good is thine arrow, decked with gold.
Warlike and well equipped thine arms are, which increase sweetness for him who drinks the sweet.
HYMN LXVII. Indra.
1. BRING us a thousand, Indra, as our guerdon for the Soma juice: Hundreds of kine, O Hero, bring.
2 Bring cattle, bring us ornament, bring us embellishment and steeds,
Give us, besides, two rings of gold.
3 And, Bold One, bring in ample store rich jewels to adorn thi; ear,
For thou, Good Lord, art far renowned.
4 None other is there for the priest, Hero! but thou, to give him gifts,
To win much spoil and prosper him.
5 Indra can never be brought low, Sakra can never be subdued:
He heareth and beholdeth all.
6 He spieth out the wrath of man, he who can never be deceived:
Ere blame can come he marketh it.
7 He hath his stomach full of might, the Vrtra-slayer, Conqueror,
The Soma-drinker, ordering all.
8 In thee all treasures are combined, Soma all blessed things in thee,
Uninjured, easy to bestow.
9 To thee speeds forth my hope that craves the gift of corn, and kine and gold,
Yea, craving horses, speeds to thee.
10 Indra, through hope in thee alone even this sickle do I grasp.
Fill my hand, Maghavan, with all that it can hold of barley cut or gathered up.
HYMN LXVIII. Soma.
1. THIS here is Soma, ne'er restrained, active, all-conquering bursting forth,
Rsi and Sage by sapience,
2 All that is bare he covers o'er, all that is sick he medicines;
The blind man sees, the cripple walks.
3 Thou, Soma, givest wide defence against the hate of alien men,
Hatreds that waste and weaken us.
4 Thou by thine insight and thy skill, Impetuous One, from heaven and earth
Drivest the sinner's enmity.
5 When to their task they come with zeal, may they obtain the Giver's grace,
And satisfy his wish who thirsts.
6 So may he find what erst was lost, so may be speed the pious man,
And lengthen his remaining life.
7 Gracious, displaying tender love, unconquered, gentle in thy thoughts,
Be sweet, O Soma, to our heart.
8 O Soma, terrify us not; strike us not with alarm, O King:
Rig Veda – English Translation
Wound not our heart with dazzling flame.
9 When in my dwelling-place I see the wicked enemies of Gods,
King, chase their hatred far away, thou Bounteous One, dispel our foes.
HYMN LXIX. Indra
1. O Sarakratu! truely I have made none else my Comforter. Indra; be gracious unto us.
2 Thou who hast ever aided us kindly of old to win the spoil,
As such, O Indra, favour us.
3 What now? As prompter of the poor thou helpest him who sheds the juice.
Wilt thou not, Indra, strengthen us?
4 O Indra, help our chariot on, yea, Thunderer, though it lag behind:
Give this my car the foremost place.
5 Ho there! why sittest thou at case? Make thou my chariot to be first
And bring the fame of victory near.
6 Assist our car that seeks the prize. What can be easier for thee?
So make thou us victorious.
7 Indra, be firm: a fort art thou. To thine appointed place proceeds
The auspicious hymn in season due.
8 Let not our portion be disgrace. Broad is the course, the prize is set,
The barriers are opened wide.
9 This thing we wish. that thou mayst take thy fourth, thy sacrificial name.
So art thou held to be our Lord.
10 Ekadyu hath exalted you, Immortals: both Goddesses and Gods hath he delighted.
Bestow upon him bounty meet for praises. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early.
HYMN LXX. Indra.
1. INDRA, God of the mighty arm, gather for us with thy right hand Manifold and nutritious spoil.
2 We know thee mighty in thy deeds, of mighty bounty, mighty wealth,
Mighty in measure, prompt to aid.
3 Hero, when thou art fain to give, neither may Gods nor mortal men
Restrain thee like a fearful Bull.
4 Come, let us glorify Indra, Lord supreme of wealth, Self-ruling King:
In bounty may he harm us not.
5 Let prelude sound and following chant so let him hear the Saman sung,
And with his bounty answer us.
6 O Indra, with thy right hand bring, and with thy left remember us.
Let us not lose our share of wealth.
7 Come nigh, O Bold One, boldly bring hither the riches of the churl
Who giveth least of all the folk.
8 Indra, the booty which thou hast with holy singers to receive,
Even that booty win with us.
9 Indra, thy swiftly-coming spoil, the booty which rejoices all,
Sounds quick in concert with our hopes.
Rig Veda – English Translation
HYMN LXXI. Indra.
1. HASTE forward to us from afar, or, Vrtra-slayer, from anear, To meet the offering to the meath.
2 Strong are the Soma-draughts; come nigh: the juices fill thee with delight:
Drink boldly even as thou art wont'.
3 Joy, Indra, in the strengthening food et it content thy wish and thought,
And be delightful to thine heart.
4 Come to us thou who hast no foe: we call thee down to hymns of praise,
In heaven's sublimest realm of light.
5 This Soma here expressed with stones and dressed with milk for thy carouse,
Indra, is offered up to thee.
6 Graciously, Indra, hear my call. Come and obtain the draught, and sate
Thyself with juices blent with milk.
7 The Soma, Indra, which is shed in chalices and vats for thee,
Drink thou, for thou art Lord thereof.
8 The Soma seen within themats, as in the flood the Moon is seen,
Drink thou, for thou art Lord thereof.
9 That which the Hawk brought in his claw, inviolate, through the air to thee,
Drink thou, for thou art Lord thereof.
HYMN LXXII. Visvedevas.
1. WE choose unto ourselves that high protection of the Mighty Gods That it may help and succour us.
2 May they be ever our allies, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman,
Far-seeing Gods who prosper us.
3 Ye furtherers of holy Law, transport us safe o'er many woes,
As over water-floods in ships.
4 Dear wealth be Aryaman to us, Varuna dear wealth meet for praise:
Dear wealth we choose unto ourselves.
5 For Sovrans of dear wealth are ye, Adityas, not of sinner's wealth,
Ye sapient Gods who slay the foe.
6 We in our homes, ye Baunteous Ones, and while we journey on the road,
Invoke you, Gods, to prosper us.
7 Regard us, Indra, Visnu, here, ye Asvins and the Marut host,
Us who are kith and kin to you.
8 Ye Bounteous Ones, from time of old we here set forth our brotherhood,
Our kinship in. the Mother's womb.
9 Then come with Indra for your chief, as early day, ye Bounteous Gods
Yea, 1 address you now for this.
HYMN LXXIII. Agni.
1. AGNI, your dearest Guest, I laud, him who is loving as a friend, Who brings us riches like a car.
2 Whom as a far-foreseeing Sage the Gods have, from the olden time,
Established among mortal men.
3 Do thou, Most Youthful God, protect the men who offer, hear their songs,
Rig Veda – English Translation
And of thyself preserve their seed.
4 What is the praise wherewith, O God, Afigiras, Agni, Son of Strength,
We, after thine own wish and thought,
5 May serve thee, O thou Child of Power, and with what sacrifice's plan?
What prayer shall I now speak to thee?
6 Our God, make all of us to dwell in happy habitations, and
Reward our songs with spoil and wealth.
7 Lord of the house, what plenty fills the songs which thou inspirest now,
Thou whose hymn helps to win the kine?
8 Hirn Wise and Strong they glorify, the foremost Champion in the fray,
And mighty in his dwelling-place.
9 Agni, he dwells in rest and peace who smites and no one smites again:
With hero sons he prospers well
HYMN LXXIV. Asvins.
1. To this mine invocation, O ye Asvins, ye Nasatyas, come, To drink the savoury Soma juice.
2 This laud of mine, ye Asvins Twain, and this mine invitation hear,
To drink the savoury Soma juice.
3 Here Krsna is invoking you, O Asvins, Lords of ample wealth.
To drink the savoury Soma juice.
4 List, Heroes, to the singer's call, the call of Krsna lauding you,
To drink the savoury Soma juice.
5 Chiefs, to the sage who sings your praise grant an inviolable home,
To drink the savoury Soma juice.
6 Come to the worshipper's abode, Asvins, who here is lauding you,
To drink the savoury Soma juice.
7 Yoke to the firmly jointed car the ass which draws you, Lords of wealth.
To drink the savoury Soma juice.
8 Come hither, Asvins, on your car of triple form with triple seat,
To drink the savoury Soma juice.
9 O Asvins, O Nasatyas, now accept with favouring grace my songs,
To drink the savoury Soma juice.
HYMN LXXV. Asvins.
1. YE Twain are wondrous strong, well-skilled in arts that heal, both bringers of delight, ye both won
Daksa's praise.
Visvaka calls on you as such to save his life. Break ye not off our friendship, come and set me free.
2 How shall he praise you now who is distraught in mind? Ye Twain give wisdom for the gainof what is
good.
Visvaka calls on you as such to save his life. Break ye not off our friendship, come and set me free.
3 Already have ye Twain, possessors of great wealth, prospered Visnapu thus for gain of what is good.
Visvaka calls on you as such to save his life. Break ye not off our friendship, come and set me free.
4 And that Impetuous Hero, winner of the spoil, though he is far away, we call to succour us,
Whose gracious favour, like a father's, is most sweet. Break ye not off our friendship, come and set me fre
Rig Veda – English Translation
e.
5 About the holy Law toils Savitar the God the horn of holy Law hath he spread far and wide.
The holy Law hath quelled even mighty men of war. Break ye not off our ftiendship, come and act me fre
e.
HYMN LXXVI. Asvins.
1. SPLENDID, O Asvins, is your praise. Come fountain-like, to pour the stream.
Of the sweet juice effused-dear is it, Chiefs, in heaven-drink like two wild bulls at a pool.
2 Drink the libation rich in sweets, O Asvins Twain: sit. Heroes, on the sacred grass.
Do ye with joyful heart in the abode of man preserve his life by means of wealth.
3 The Priyamedhas bid you come with all the succours that are yours.
Come to his house whose holy grass is trimmed, to dear sacrifice at the morning rites.
4 Drink ye the Soma rich in meath, ye Asvins Twain: sit gladly on the sacred grass.
So, waxen mighty, to our eulogy from heaven come ye as wild-bulls to the pool.
5 Come to us, O ye Asvins, now with steeds of many a varied hue,
Ye Lords of splendour, wondrous, borne on paths of gold, drink Soma, ye who strengthen Law.
6 For we the priestly singers, fain tohymn your praise, invoke you for the gain of strength.
So, wondrous, fair, and famed for great deeds come to us, through our hymn, Asvins, when ye hear.
HYMN LXXVII. Indra.
1. As cows low to their calves in stalls, so with our songs we glorify This Indra, even your Wondrous God
who checks attack, who joys in the delicious juice.
2 Celestial, bounteous Giver, girt about with might, rich, mountain-like, in precious things,
Him swift we seek. for foodful booty rich in kine, brought hundredfold and thousandfold.
3 Indra, the strong and lofty hills are powerless to bar thy way.
None stay that act of thine when thou wouldst fain give wealth to one like me who sings thy praise.
4 A Warrior thou by strength, wisdom, and wondrous deed, in might excellest all that is.
Hither may this our hymn attract thee to our help, the hymn which Gotamas have made.
5 For in thy might thou stretchest out beyond the boundaries of heaven.
The earthly region, Indra, comprehends thee not. After thy Godhead hast thou waxed.
6 When, Maghavan, thou honourest the worshipper, no one is there to stay thy wealth.
Most liberal Giver thou, do thou inspire our song of praise, that we may win the spoil.
HYMN LXXVIII. Indra.
1. To Indra sing the lofty hymn, Maruts that slays the Vrtras best. Whereby the Holy Ones created for the
God the light divine that ever wakes.
2 Indra who quells the curse blew curses far away, and then in splendour came to us.
Indra, refulgent with thy Marut host! the Gods strove eagerly to win thy love.
3 Sing to your lofty Indra, sing, Maruts, a holy hymn of praise.
Let Satakratu, Vrtra-slayer, kill the foe with hundred-knotted thunderbolt.
4 Aim and fetch boldly forth, O thou whose heart is bold: great glory will be thine thereby.
In rapid torrent let the mother waters spread. Slay Vrtra, win the light of heaven.
5 When thou, unequalled Maghavan, wast born to smite the Vrtras dead,
Rig Veda – English Translation
Thou spreadest out the spacious earth and didst support and prop the heavens.
6 Theri was the sacrifice produced for thee, the laud, and song of joy,
Thou in thy might surpassest all, all that now is and yet shall be.
7 Raw kine thou filledst with ripe milk. Thou madest Surya rise to heaven.,
Heat him as milk is heated with pure Sama hymns, gre at joy to him who loves the song.
HYMN LXXIX. Indra.
1. MAY Indra, who in every fight must be invoked, be near to us. May the most mighty Vrtra-slayer, me
et for praise, come to libations and to hymns.
2 Thou art the best of all in sending bounteous gifts, true art thou, lordly in thine act.
We claim alliance with the very Glorious One, yea, with the Mighty Son of Strength.
3 Prayers unsurpassed are offered up to thee the Lover of the Song.
Indra, Lord of Bay Steeds, accept these fitting hymns, hymns which we have thought out for thee.
4 For thou, O Maghavan, art truthful, ne'er subdued and bringest many a Vrtra low.
As such, O Mightiest Lord, Wielder of Thunder, send wealth hither to the worshipper.
5 O Indra, thou art far-renowned, impetuous, O Lord of Strength.
Alone thou slayest with the guardian of mankind resistless never-conquered foes.
6 As such we seek thee now, O Asura, thee most wise, craving thy bounty as our share.
Thy sheltering defence is like a mighty cloak. So may thy glories reach to us.
HYMN LXXX. Indra.
1. DOWN to the stream a maiden came, and found the Soma by the way. Bearing it to her home she said,
For Indra will I press thee out, for Sakra will I press thee out.
2 Thou roaming yonder, little man, beholding every house in turn,
Drink thou this Soma pressed with teeth, accompanied with grain and curds, with cake of meal and song o
f
praise.
3 Fain would we learn to know thee well, nor yet can we attain to thee.
Still slowly and in gradual drops, O Indu, unto Indra flow.
4 Will he not help and work for us? Will he not make us wealthier?
Shall we not, hostile to our lord, unite ourselves to Indra now?
5 O Indra, cause to sprout again three places, these which I declare,-
My father's head, his cultured field, and this the part below my waist.
6 Make all of these grow crops of hair, you cultivated field of ours,
My body, and my father's head.
7 Cleansing Apala, Indra! thrice, thou gavest sunlike skin to her,
Drawn, Satakratu! through the hole of car, of wagon, and of yoke.
HYMN LXXXI. Indra
1. INV ITE ye Indra with a song to drink your draught of Soma juice, All-conquering Satakratu, most mu
nificent of all who live.
2 Lauded by many, much-invoked, leader of song, renowned of old:
His name is Indra, tell it forth.
Rig Veda – English Translation
3 Indra the Dancer be to us the giver of abundant strength:
May he, the mighty, bring it near.
4 Indra whose jaws are strong hath drunk of worshipping Sudaksa's draught,
The Soma juice with barley mixt.
5 Call Indra loudly with your songs of praise to drink the Soma juice.
For this is what augments his stiength.
6 When he hath drqnk its gladdening drops, the God with vigour of a God
Hath far surpassed all things that are.
7 Thou speedest down to succour us this ever-conquering God of yours,
Him who is drawn to all our songs
8 The Warrior not to he restrained, the Soma-drinker ne'er o'erthrown,
The Chieftain of resistless might.
9 O Indra, send us riches, thou Omniscient, worthy of our praise:
Help us in the decisive fray.
10 Even thence, O 1ndra, come to us with food that gives a hundred powers,
With food that gives a thousand powers.
11 We sought the wisdom of the wise. Sakra, Kine-giver, Thunder-armed!
May we with steeds o'ercome in fight.
12 We make thee, Satakratu, find enjoyment in the songs we sing.
Like cattle in the pasture lands.
13 For, Satakratu, Thunder-armed, all that we craved, as men are wont,
All that we hoped, have we attained.
14 Those, Son of Strength, are come to thee who cherish wishes in their hearts
O Indra, none excelleth thee.
15 So, Hero, guard us with thy care, with thy most liberal providence,
Speedy, and terrible to foes.
16 O Satakratu Indra, now rejoice with that carouse of thine
Which is most splendid of them all
17 Even, Indra, that carouse which slays the Vrtras best, most widely famed,
Best giver of thy power and might.
18 For that which is thy gift we know, true Soma-drinker, Thunder-armed,
Mighty One, amid all the folk.
19 For Indra, Lover of Carouse, loud be our songs about the juice:
Let poets sing the song of praise.
20 We summon Indra to the draught, irl whom all glories rest, in whom
The seven communities rejoice.
21 At the Trikadrukas the Gods span sacrifice that stirs the mind:
Let our songs aid and prosper it.
22 Let the drops pass within thee as the rivers flow into the sea:
O fndra, naught excelleth thee.
23 Thou, wakeful Hero, by thy might hast taken food of Soma juice,
Which, Indra, is within thee now.
24 O Indra, Vrtra-slayer, let Soma be ready for thy maw,
The drops be ready for thy forms.
25 Now Srutakaksa sings his song that cattle and the steed may come,
That Indra's very self may come.
26 Here, Indra, thou art ready by our Soma juices shed for thee,
Rig Veda – English Translation
Sakra, at hand that thou mayst give.
27 Even from far away our songs reach thee, O Caster of the Stone:
May we come very close to thee.
28 For so thou art the hero's Friend, a Hero, too, art thou, and strong:
So may thine heart be won to us.
29 So hath the offering, wealthiest Lord, been paid by all the worshippers:
So dwell thou, Indra, even with me.
30 Be not thou like a slothfid priest, O Lord of spoil and wealth: rejoice
In the pressed Soma blent with milk.
31 O Indra, let not ill designs surround us in the sunbeams' light:
This may we gain with thee for Friend.
32 With thee to help us, Indra, let us answer all our enemies:
For thou art ours and we are thine.
33 Indra, the poets and thy friends, faithful to thee, shall loudly sing
Thy praises as they follow thee.
HYMN LXXXII. Indra.
1. SURYA, thou mountest up to meet the Hero famous for his wealth, Who hurls the bolt and works for m
an
2 Him who with might of both his arms brake nine-and-ninety castles down,
Slew Vrtra and smote Ahi dead.
3 This Indra is our gracious Friend. He sends us in a full broad stream
Riches in horses, kine, and corn.
4 Whatever, Vrtra-slayer! thou, Surya, hast risen upon to-da y,
Tbat, Indra, all is in thy power.
5 When, Mighty One, Lord of the brave, thou thinkest thus, I shall not die,
That thought of thine is true indeed.
6 Thou, Indra, goest unto all Soma libations shed for thee,
Both far away and near at hand.
7 We make this Indra very strong to strike the mighty Vrtra dead:
A vigorous Hero shall he be.
8 Indra was made for giving, set, most mighty, o'er the joyous draught.
Bright, meet for Soma, famed in song.
9 By song as 'twere, the powerful bolt which none may parry was prepared
Lofty, invincible he grew.
10 Indra, Song-lover, lauded, make even in the wilds fair ways for us,
Whenever, Maghavan, thou wilt.
11 Thou whose commandment and behest of sovran sway none disregards,
Neither audacious man nor God.
12 And both these Goddesses, Earth, Heaven, Lord of the beauteous helm! revere
Thy might which no one may resist.
13 Thou in the black cows and the red and in the cows with spotted skin
This white milk hast deposited.
14 When in their terror all the Gods shrank from the Dragon's furious might,
Fear of the monster fell on them.
15 Then he was my Defender, then, Invincible, whose foe is not,
Rig Veda – English Translation
The Vrtra-slayer showed his might.
16 Him your best Vrtra-slayer, him the famous Champion of mankind
I urge to great munificence,
17 To come, Much-lauded! Many-named with this same thought that longs for milk,
Whene'er the Soma juice is shed.
18 Much-honoured by libations, may the Vrtra-slayer wake for us:
May Sakra listen to our prayers.
19 O Hero, with that aid dost thou delight us, with what succour bring
Riches to those who worship thee?
20 With whose libation joys the Strong, the Hero with his team who quells
The foe, to drink the Soma juice?
21 Rejoicing in thy spirit bring thousandfold opulence to us:
Enrich thy votary with gifts.
22 These juices with their wedded wives flow to enjoyment lovingly:
To waters speeds the restless one.
23 Presented strengthening gifts have sent Indra away at sacrifice,
With might, onto the cleansing bath.
24 These two who share his feast, Bay Steeds with golden manes, shall bring him to
The banquet that is laid for him.
25 For thee, O Lord of Light, are shed these Soma-drops, and grass is strewn
Bring Indra to his worshippers.
26 May Indra give thee skill, and lights of heaven, wealth to his votary
And priests who praise him: laud ye him.
27 O Satakratu, wondrous strength and all our lauds I bring to thee:
Be gracious to thy worshippers.
28 Bring to us all things excellent, O Satakratu, food and strength:
For, Indra, thou art kind to us.
2§ O Satakratu, bring to us all blessings, all felicity:
Fbr, Indra, thou art kind to us.
30 Bearing the Soma juice we call, best Vrtra-slayer, unto thee:
For, Indra, thou art kind to us.
31 Come, Lord of rapturous, joys, to our libation with thy Bay Steeds, come
To our libation with thy Steeds.
32 Known as best Vrtra-slayer erst, as Indra Satakratu, come
With Bay Steeds to the juice we shed.
33 O Vrtra-slayer, thou art he who drinks these drops of Soma: come
With Bay Steeds to the juice we shed.
34 May Indra give, to aid us, wealth handy that rules the Skilful Ones:
Yea, may the Strong give potent wealth.
HYMN LXXXIII. Maruts.
1. THE Cow, the famous Mother of the wealthy Maruts, pours her milk: Both horses of the cars are yoked
,-
2 She in whose bosom all the Gods, and Sun and Moon for men to see,
Maintain their everlasting Laws.
Rig Veda – English Translation
3 This all the pious sing to us, and sacred poets evermore:
The Maruts to the Soma-draught
4 Here is the Soma ready pressed of this the Maruts drink, of this
Self-luminous the Asvins drink.
5 Of this, moreover, purified, set in three places, procreant,
Drink Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman.
6 And Indra, like the Herald Priest, desirous of the milky juice,
At early morn will quaff thereof.
7 When have the Princes gleamed and shone through waters as through troops of foes'?
When hasten they whose might ispure?
8 What favour do I claim this day of you
great Deities, you who are
Wondrously splendid in yourselves?
9 1 call, to drink the Soma, those Maruts who spread all realms of earth
And luminous regions of the sky.
10 You, even such, pure in your might, you, O ye Maruts, I invoke
From heaven to drink this Somajuice.
11 The Maruts, those who have sustained and propped the heavens and earth apart,
I call to drink this Soma juice.
12 That vigorous band of Maruts that abidetb in the mountains, I
Invoke to drink this Soma juice.
HYMN LXXXIV. Indra.
1. SONG-LOVER! like a charioteer come songs to thee when Soma flows. O Indra, they have called to t
hee as mother-kine unto their calves.
2 Bright juices bitherward have sped thee, Indra, Lover of the Song.
Drink, Indra, of this flowing sap: in every house 'tis set for thee.
3 Drink Soma to inspirit thee, juice, Indra, which the Falcon brought:
For thou art King and Sovran Lord of all the families of men.
4 O Indra, hear Tirasci's call, the call of him who serveth thee.
Satisfy him with wealth of kine and valiant offspring: Great art thou.
5 For he, O Indra, hath produced for thee the newest gladdening song,
A hymn that springs from careful thought, ancient, and full of sacred truth.
6 That Indra will we laud whom songs and hymns of praise have magnified.
Striving to win, we celebrate his many deeds of hero might.
7 Come now and let us glorify pure Indra with pure Sama hymns.
Let the pure milky draught delight him strengthened by pure songs of praise.
8 O Indra, come thou pure to us, with pure assistance, pure thyself.
Pure, send thou riches down to us, and, meet for Soma, pure, be glad.
9 O Indra, pure, vouchsafe us wealth, and, pure, enrich the worshipper.
Pure, thou dost strike the Vrtras dead, and strivest, pure, to win the spoil.
HYMN LXXXV. Indra.
1. FOR him the Mornings made their courses longer, and Nights with pleasant voices spake to Indra.
Rig Veda – English Translation
For him the Floods stood still, the Seven Mothers, Streams easy for the heroes to pass over.
2 The Darter penetrated, though in trouble, thrice-seven close-pressed ridges of the mountains.
Neither might God nor mortal man accomplish what the Strong Hero wrought in full-grown vigour.
3 The mightiest force is Indra's bolt of iron when firmly grasped in both the arms of Indra.
His head and mouth have powers that pass all others, and all his people hasten near to listen.
4 1 count thee as the Holiest of the Holy, the caster-down of what hath ne'er been shaken.
I count thee as the Banner of the heroes, I count thee as the Chief of all men living.
5 What time, O Indra, in thine arms thou tookest thy wildly rushing bolt to Slay the Dragon,
The mountains roared, the cattle loudly bellowed, the Brahmans with their hymns drew nigh to Indra.
6 Let us praise him who made these worlds and creatures, all things that after him sprang into being.
May we win Mitra with our songs, and Indra, and. wait upon our Lord with adoration.
7 Flying in terror from the snort of Vrtra, all Deities who were thy friends forsook thee.
So, Indra, be thy friendship with the Maruts: in all these battles thou shalt be the victor.
8 Thrice-sixty Maruts, waxing strong, were with thee, like piles of beaming light, worthy of worship.
We come to thee: grant us a happy portion. Let us adore thy might with this oblation.
9 A sharpened weapon is the host of Maruts. Who, Indra, dares withstand thy bolt of thunder?
Weaponless are the Asuras, the godless: scatter them w ith thy wheel, Impetuous Hero.
10 To him the Strong and Mighty, most auspicious, send up the beAuteous hymn for sake of cattle.
Lay oa his body many songs for Indra invoked with song, for will not he regard. them?
11 To him, the Mighty, who accepts laudation, send forth thy thought as by a boat o'er rivers,
Stir with thy hymn the body of the Famous and Dearest One, for will not he regard it?
12 Serve him with gifts of thine which Indra welcomes: praise with fair praise, invite him with thine hom
age.
Draw near, O singer, and refrain from outcry. Make thy voice heard, for will not he regard it?
13 The Black Drop sank in Amsumati's bosom, advancing with ten thousand round about it.
Indra with might longed for it as it panted: the hero-hearted laid aside his weapons.
14 1 saw the Drop in the far distance moving, on the slope bank of Amsumati's river,
Like a black cloud that sank into the water. Heroes, I send you forth. Go, fight in battle.
15 And then the Drop in Amsumati's bosom, splendid with light, assumed its proper body;
And Indra, with Brhaspati to aid him, conquered the godless tribes that came against him.
16 Then, at thy birth, thou wast the foeman, Indra, of those the seven who ne'er had met a rival.
The hidden Pair, the Heaven and Earth, thou foundest, and to the mighty worlds thou gavest pleasure.
17 So, Thunder-armed! thou with thy bolt of thunder didst boldly smite that power which none might equ
al;
With weapons broughtest low the migbt of Susna, and, Indra, foundest by thy strength the cattle.
18 Then wast thou, Chieftain of all living mortals, the very mighty slayer of the Vrtras.
Then didst thou set the obstructed rivers flowing, and win the floods that were enthralled by Dasas.
19 Most wise is he, rejoicing in libations, splendid as day, resistless in his anger.
He only doth great deeds, the only Hero, sole Vrtra-slayer he, with none beside him.
20 Indra is Vrtra's slayer, man's sustainer: he must be called; with fair praise let us call him.
Maghavan is our Helper, our Protector, giver of spoil and wealth to make us famous.
21 This Indra, Vrtra-slayer, this Rbhuksan, even at his birth, was meet for invocation.
Doer of many deeds for man's advantage, like Soma quaffed, for friends we must invoke him.
Rig Veda – English Translation
HYMN LXXXVI. Indra.
1. O INDRA, Lord of Light, what joys thou broughtest from the Asuras, Prosper therewith, O Maghavan,
him who lauds that deed, and those whose grass is trimmed for thee.
2 The unwasting share of steeds and kine which, Indra, thou hast fast secured,
Grant to the worshipper who presses Soma and gives guerdon, not unto the churl.
3 The riteless, godless man who sleeps, O Indra, his unbroken steep,-
May he by following his own devices die. Hide from him wealth that nourishes.
4 Whether, O Sakra, thou be far, or, Vrtra-slayer, near at hand,
Thence by heaven-reaching songs he who hath pressed the juice invites thee with thy long-maned Steeds
.
5 Whether thou art in heaven's bright sphere, or in the basin of the sea;
Whether, chief Vrtra-slayer, in some place on earth, or in the firmament, approach.
6 Thou Soma-drinker, Lord of Strength, beside our flowing Soma juice
Delight us with thy bounty rich in pleasantness, O Indra, with abundant wealth.
7 O Indra, turn us not away: be the companion of our feast.
For thou art our protection, yea, thou art our kin: O Indra, turn us not away.
8 Sit down with us, O Indra, sit beside the juice to drink the meath.
Show forth great favour to the Singer, Maghavan; Indra, with us, beside the juice.
9 O Caster of the Stone, nor Gods nor mortals have attained to thee.
Thou in thy might surpassest all that hath been made: the Gods have not attained to thee.
10 Of one accord they made and formed for kingship Indra, the Hero who in all encounters overcometh,
Most eminent for power, destroyer in the conflict, fierce and exceeding strong, stalwart and full of vigour.
11 Bards joined in song to Indra so that he might drink the Soma juice,
The Lord of Light, that he whose laws stand fast might aid with power and with the help he gives.
12 Tle holy sages form a ring, looking and singing to the Ram.
Inciters, full of vigour, not to he deceived, are with the chanters, nigh to bear.
13 Loudly I call that Indra, Maghavan the Mighty, who evermore possesses power, ever resistless.
Holy, most liberal, may he lead us on to riches, and, Thunder-armed, make all our pathways pleasant for
us.
14 Thou knowest well, O Sakra, thou Most Potent, with thy strength, Indra, to destroy these castles.
Before thee, Thunder-armed! all beings tremble: the heavens and earth before thee shake with terror,
15 May thy truth, Indra, Wondrous Hero be my guard: bear me o'er much woe, Thunderer! as over floods.
When, Indra, wilt thou honour us with opulence, all-nourishing and much-to-be. desired, O King?
HYMN LXXXVII. Indra.
1. To Indra sing a Sama hymn, a lofty song to Lofty Sage, To him who guards the Law, inspired, and fain
for praise.
2 Thou, Indra, art the Conqueror: thou gavest splendour to the Sun.
Maker of all things, thou art Mighty and All-God.
3 Radiant with light thou wentest to the sky, the luminous realm of heaven.
ne Deities, Indra strove to win thee for their Friend.
4 Come unto us, O Indra, dear, still conquering, unconcealable,
Vast as a mountain spread on all sides, Lord of Heaven.
Rig Veda – English Translation
5 O truthful Soma-drinker, thou art mightier than both the worlds.
Thou strengthenest him who pours libation, Lord of Heaven.
6 For thou art he, O Indra, wiio stormeth all castles of the foe,
Slayer of Dasyus, man's Supporter, Lord of Heaven.
7 Now have we, Indra, Friend of Song, sent our great wishes forth to thee,
Coming like floods that follow floods.
8 As rivers swell the ocean, so, Hero, our prayers increase thy might,
Though of thyself, O Thunderer, waxing day by day.
9 With holy song mey bind to the broad wide-yoked car the Bay Steeds of the rapid God,
Bearers of Indra, yoked by word.
10 O Indra, bring great strength to us, bring valour, Satakratu, thou most active, bring
A hero conquering in war.
11 For, gracious Satakratu, thou hast ever been a Mother and a Sire to us,
So now for bliss we pray to thee.
12 To thee, Strong, Much-invoked, who showest forth thy strength, O Satakratu, do I speak:
So grant thou us heroic strength.
HYMN LXXXVIII. Indra.
1. O THUNDERER, zealous worshippers gave thee drink this time yesterday.
So, Indra, listen here to those who bring the laud: come near unto our dwellingplace.
2 Lord of Bay Steeds, fair-helmed, rejoice thee: this we crave. Here the disposers wait on thee.
Thy loftiest glories claim our lauds beside the juice, O Indra, Lover of the Song.
3 Turning, as 'twere, to meet the Sun, enjoy from Indra all good things.
When he who will be born is born with power we look to treasures as our heritage.
4 Praise him who sends us wealth, whose bounties injure none: good are the gifts which Indra. grants.
He is not worth with one who satisfies his wish: he turns his mind to giving boons.
5 Thou in thy battles, Indra, art subduer of all hostile bands.
Father art thou, aIl-conquering, cancelling the curse, thou victor of the vanquisher.
6 The Earth and Heaven clung close to thy victorious might as to their calf two mother-cows.
When thou attackest Vrtra all the hostile bands shrink and faint, Indra, at thy wrath.
7 Bring to your aid the Eternal One, who shoots and none may shoot at him,
Inciter, swift, victorious, best of Charioteers. Tugrya's unvanquished Strengthener;
8 Arranger of things unarranged, e'en Satakratu, source of might,
Indra, the Friend of all, for succour we invoke, Guardian of treasure, sendjng wealth.
HYMN LXXXIX Indra. Vak.
1. I MOVE before thee here present in person, and all the Deities follow behind me.
When, Indra, thou securest me my portion, with me thou shalt perform heroic actions.
2 The food of meath in foremost place I give thee, thy Soma shall be pressed, thy share appointed.
Thou on my right shalt be my friend and comrade: then shall we two smite dead full many a foeman.
3 Striving for strength bring forth a laud to Indra, a truthful hymn if he in truth existeth.
One and another say, There is no Indra. Who hath beheld him? Whom then shall we honour?
4 Here am I, look upon me here, O singer. All that existeth 1 surpass in greatness.
The Holy Law's commandments make me mighty. Rending with strength I rend the worlds asunder.
Rig Veda – English Translation
5 When the Law's lovers mounted and ap. proached me as 1 sate lone upon the dear sky's summit.
Then spake my spirit to the heart within me, My friends have cried unto me with their children.
6 All these thy deeds must be declared at Soma-feasts, wrought, Indra, Bounteous Lord, for him who she
ds
the juice,
When thou didst open wealth heaped up by many, brought from far away to Sarablia, the Rsi's kin.
7 Now run ye forth your several ways: he is not here who kept you back.
For hath not Indra sunk his bolt deep down in Vrtra's vital part?
8 On-rushing with the speed of thought within the iron fort he pressed:
The Falcon went to heaven and brought the Soma to the Thunderer.
9 Deep in the ocean lies the bolt with waters compassed round about,
And in continuous onward flow the floods their tribute bring to it.
10 When, uttering words which no one comprehended, V ak, Queen of Gods, the Gladdener, was seated,
The heaven's four regions drew forth drink and vigour: now whither hath her noblest portion vanished?
11 The Deities generated Vak the Goddess, and animals of every figure speak her.
May she, the Gladdener, yielding food and vigour, the Milch-cow Vak, approach us meetly lauded.
12 Step forth with wider stride, my comrade Visnu; make room, Dyaus, for the leaping of the lightning.
Let us slay Vrtra, let us free the rivers let them flow loosed at the command of Indra.
HYMN XC. Various.
1. YEA, specially that mortal man hath toiled for service of the Gods, Who quickly hath brought near Mit
ra and Varuna. to share his sacrificial gifts.
2 Supreme in sovran power, far-sighted, Chiefs and Kings, most swift to hear from far away,
Both, wondrously, set them in motion as with arms, in company with Surya's beams.
3 The rapid messenger who runs before you, Mitra-Varuna, with iron head, swift to the draught,
4 He whom no man may question, none may summon back, who stands not still for colloquy,-
From hostile clash with him keep ye us safe this day: keep us in safety with your arms.
5 To Aryaman and Mitra sing a reverent song, O pious one,
A pleasant hymn that shall protect to Varuna: sing forth a laud unto the Kings.
6 The true, Red Treasure they have sent, one only Son born of the Three.
They, the Immortal Ones, never deceived, survey the families of mortal men.
7 My songs are lifted up, and acts most splendid are to be performed.
Come hither, ye Nasatyas, with accordant mind, to meet and to enjoy my gifts.
8 Lords of great wealth, when we invoke your bounty which no demon checks,
Both of you, furthering our eastward-offcred praise, come, Chiefs whom Jamadagni lauds!
9 Come, Vayu, drawn by fair hymns, to our sacrifice that reaches heaven.
Poured on the middle of the strainingcloth, and cooked, this bright drink hath been offered ilice.
10 He comes by straightest paths, as ministering Priest, to taste the sacrificial gifts.
Then, Lord of harnessed teams I drink of the twofold draught, bright Soma mingled with the milk.
11 Verily, Surya, thou art great; truly, Aditya, thou art great.
As thou art great indeed, thy greatness is admired: yea, verily, thou, God, art great.
12 Yea, Surya, thou art great in fame thou evermore, O God, art great.
Thou by thy greatness art the Gods' High Priest, divine, far-spread unconquerable light.
13 She yonder, bending lowly down, clothed in red hues and rich in rays,
Is seen, advancing as it were with various tints, amid the ten surrounding arms.
Rig Veda – English Translation
14 Past and gone are three mortal generations: the fourth and last into the Sun hath entered.
He mid the worlds his lofty place hath taken. Into green plants is gone the Purifying.
15 The Rudras' Mother, Daughter of the Vasus, centre of nectar, the Adityas' Sister-
To folk who understand will 1 proclaim it-injure not Aditi, the Cow, the sinless.
16 Weak-minded men have as a cow adopted me who came hither from the Gods, a Goddess,
Who, skilled in eloquence, her voice uplifteth, who standeth near at hand with all devotions.
HYMN XCI. Agni.
1. LORD of the house, Sage, ever young, high power of life, O Agni, God,
Thou givest to thy worshipper.
2 So with our song that prays and serves, attentive, Lord of spreading light,
Agni, bring hitherward the Gods.
3 For, Ever-Youthful One, with thee, best Furtherer, as our ally,
We overcome, to win the spoil.
4 As Aurva Bhrgu used, as Apnavana used, I call the pure
Agni who clothes him with the sea.
5 1 call the Sage who sounds like wind, the Might that like Parjanya roars,
Agni who clothes him with the sea.
6 As Savitar's productive Power, as him who sends down bliss, I call
Agni who clothes him with the sea.
7 Hither, for powerful kirship, I call Agni, him Who prospers you,
Most frequent at our solemn rites
8 That through this famed One's power, he may stand by us even as Tvastar comes
Unto the forms that must he shaped.
9 This Agni is the Lord supreme above all glories mid the Gods:
May he come nigh to us with strength.
10 Here praise ye him the most renowned of all the ministering Priests,
Agni, the Chief at sacrifice;
11 Piercing, with purifying flame, enkindled in our homes, most high,
Swiftest to hear from far away.
12 Sage, laud the Mighty One who wins the spoil of victory like a steed,
And, Mitra like, unites the folk.
13 Still turning to their aim in thee, the oblation-bearer's sister hymns
Have come to thee before the wind.
14 The waters find their place in him, for whom the threefold sacred grass
Is spread unbound, unlimited.
15 The station of the Bounteous God hath, through his aid which none impair,
A pleasant aspect like the Sun.
16 Blazing with splendour, Agni, God, through pious gifts of sacred oil,
Bring thou the Gods and worship them.
17 The Gods as mothers brought thee forth, the Immortal Sage, O Afigiras,
The bearer of our gifts to heaven.
18 Wise Agni, Gods established thee, the Seer, noblest messenger,
As bearer of our sacred gifts.
19 No cow have I to call mine own, no axe at hand wherewith to work,
Rig Veda – English Translation
Yet what is here I bring to thee.
20 O Agni, whatsoever be the fuel that we lay for thee,
Be pleased therewith, Most Youthful God
21 That which the white-ant cats away, that over which the emmet crawls-
May all of this be oil to thee.
22 When he enkindles Agni, man should with his heart attend the song:
I with the priests have kindled him.
HYMN XCII. Agni
1. THAT noblest Furtherer hath appeared, to whom men bring their holy works.
Our songs of praise have risen aloft to Agni who was barn to give the Arya strength.
2 Agni of Divodasa turned, as 'twere in majesty, to the Gods.
Onward he sped along the mother earth, and took his station in the height of heaven.
3 Him before whom the people shrink when he performs his glorious deeds,
Him who wins thousands at the worship of the Gods, himself, that Agni, serve with son s.
4 The mortal man whom thou wouldst lead to opulence, O Vasu, he who brings thee gifts.
He, Agni, wins himself a hero singing lauds, yea, one who feeds a thousand men.
5 He with the steed wins spoil even in the fenced fort, and gains imperishable fame.
In thee, O Lord of wealth, continually we lay all precious offerings to the Gods.
6 To him who dealeth out all wealth, who is the cheerful Priest of men,
To him, like the first vessels filled with savoury juice, to Agni go the songs of praise.
7 Votaries, richly-gifted, deck him with their songs, even as the steed who draws the car.
On both, Strong Lord of men! on child and grandson pour the bounties which our nobles give.
8 Sing forth to him, the Holy, most munificent, sublime with his refulgent glow,
To Agni, ye Upastutas.
9 Worshipped with gifts, enkindled, splendid, Maghavan shall win himself heroic fame.
And will not his most newly shown benevolence come to us with abundant strength?
10 Priest, presser of the juice! praise now the dearest Guest of all our friends,
Agni, the driver of the cars.
11 Who, finder-out of treasures open and concealed, bringeth them hither, Holy One;
Whose waves, as in a cataract, are hard to pass, when he, through song, would win him strength.
12 Let not the noble Guest, Agni, be wroth with us: by many a man his praise is sung,
Good Herald, skilled in sacrifice.
13 O Vasu, Agni, let not them be harmed who come in any way with lauds to thee.
Even the lowly, skilled in rites, with offered gifts, seeketh thee for the envoy's task.
14 Friend of the Maruts, Agni, come with Rudras to the Soma-draught,
To Sobhar's fair song of praise, and be thou joyful in the light.
VALAKHILYA
APPENDIX: (Book VIII. Hymns 49-59. M. Müller.)
HYMN I. Indra.
1. TO you will I sing Indra's praise who gives good gifts as well we know;
The praise of Maghavan who, rich in treasure, aids his singers with wealth thousandfold.
2 As with a hundred hosts, he rushes boldly on, and for the offerer slays his foes.
Rig Veda – English Translation
As from a mountain flow the water-brooks, thus flow his gifts who feedeth many a one.
3 The drops effused, the gladdening draughts, O Indra, Lover of the Son
As waters seek the lake where they are wont to rest, fill thee, for bounty, Thunderer.
4 The matchless draught that strengthens and gives eloquence, the sweetest of the meath drink thou,
That in thy joy thou maysi scatter thy gifts o'er us, plenteously, even as the dust.
5 Come quickly to our laud, urged on by Soma-pressers like a horse-
Laud, Godlike Indra, which milch-kine make sweet for thee: with Kanva's sons are gifts for thee.
6 With homage have we sought thee as a Hero, strong, preeminent, with unfailing wealth.
O Thunderer, as a plenteous spring pours forth its stream, so, Indra, flow our songs to thee.
7 If now thou art at sacrifice, or if thou art upon the earth,
Come thence, high-thoughted! to our sacrifice with the Swift, come, Mighty with the Mighty Ones.
8 The active, fleet-foot, tawny Coursers that are thine are swift to victory, like the Wind,
Wherewith thou goest round to visit Manus' seed, wherewith all heaven is visible.
9 Indra, from thee so great we crave prosperity in wealth of kine,
As, Maghavan, thou favouredst Medhyatithi, and, in the fight, Nipatithi.
10 As, Maghavan, to Kanva, Trasadasyu, and to Paktha and Dasavraja;
As, Indra, to Gosarya and Rjisvan, thou vouchsafedst wealth in kine and gold.
HYMN II. Indra.
1. SAKRA I praise, to win his aid, far-famed, exceeding bountiful, Who gives, as 'twere in thousands, pre
cious wealth to him who sheds the juice and worships him.
2 Arrows with hundred points, unconquerable, are this Indra's n-dghty arms in war.
He streams on liberal worshippers like a hill with springs, when juices poured have gladdened him.
3 What time the flowing Soma-drops have gladdened with their taste the Friend,
Like water, gracious Lord! were my libations made, like milch-kine to the worshipper.
4 To him the peerless, who is calling you to give you aid, forth flow the drops of pleasant meath.
The Soloa-drops which call on thee, O gracious Lord, have brought thee to our hymn of praise.
5 He rushes hurrying like a steed to Soma that adorns our rite,
Which hymns make sweet to thee, lover of pleasant food. The call to Paura thou dost love.
6 Praise the strong, grasping Hero, winner of the spoil, ruling supreme oer mighty wealth.
Like a full spring, O Thunderer, from thy store hast thou poured on the worshipper evermore.
7 Now whether thou be far away, or in the heavens, or on the earth,
O Indra, mighty- thoughted, harnessing thy Bays, come Lofty with the Lofty Ones.
8 The Bays who draw thy chariot, Steeds who injure none, surpass the wind's impetuous strength-
With whom thou silencest the enemy of man, with whon; thou goest round the sky.
9 O gracious Hero, may we learn anew to know thee as thou art:
As in decisive fight thou holpest Etasa, or Vasa 'gainst Dasavraja,
10 As, Maghavan, to Kanva at the sacred feast, to Dirghanitha thine home-friend,
As to Gosarya thou, Stone-darter, gavest wealth, give me a gold-bright stall of kine.
HYMN III. Indra.
1. As with Manu Samvarani, Indra, thou drankest Soma juice, And, Maghavan, with Nipatithi, Medbyatit
hi, with Pustigu and Srustigu,-
2 T'he son of Prsadvana was Praskaniva's host, who lay decrepit and forlorn.
Aided by thee the Rsi Dasyave-vrka strove to obtain thousands of kine.
Rig Veda – English Translation
3 Call hither with thy newest song Indra who lacks not hymns of praise,
Him who observes and knows, inspirer of the sage, him who seems eager to enjoy.
4 He unto whom they sang the seven-headed hymn, three-parted, in the loftiest place,
He sent his thunder down on all these living things, and so displayed heroic might.
5 We invocate that Indra who bestoweth precious things on us.
Now do we know his newest favour; may we gain a stable that is full of kine.
6 He whom thou aidest, gracious Lord, to give again, obtains great wealth to nourish him.
We with our Soma ready, Lover of the Song! call, Indra Maghavan, on thee.
7 Ne'er art thou fruitless, Indra ne'er dost thou desert the worshipper
But now, O Maghavan, thy bounty as a God is poured forth ever more and more.
8 He who hath. overtaken Krvi with his might, and silenced Susna with deathbolts,-
When he supported yonder heaven and spread it out, then first the son of earth was born.
9 Good Lord of wealth is he to whom all Aryas, Dasas here belong.
Directly unto thee, the pious Rusama Paviru, is that wealth brought nigh.
10 In zealous haste the singers have sung forth a song distilling oil and rich in sweets.
Riches have spread among us and heroic strength, with us are flowing Soma-drops.
HYMN IV. Indra.
1. As, Sakra, thou with Manu called Vivasvan drankest Soma juice, As, Indra, thou didst love the hymn b
y Trita's side, so dost thou joy with Ayu now.
2 As thou with Matarisvan, Medhya, Prsadhra, hast cheered thee Indra, with pressed juice,
Drunk Soma with Rjunas, Syumarasmi, by Dasonya's Dasasipra's side.
3 'Tis he who made the lauds his own and boldly drank the Soma juice,
He to whom Visnu came striding his three wide steps, as Mitra's statutes ordered it.
4 In whose laud thou didst joy, Indra, at the great deed, O Satakratu, Mighty One!
Seeking renown we call thee as the milkers call the cow who yields abundant milk.
5 He is our Sire who gives to us, Great, Mighty, ruling as he wills.
Unsought, may he the Strong, Rich, Lord of ample wealth, give us of horses and of kine.
6 He to whom thou, Good Lord, givest that he may give increases wealth that nourishes.
Eager for wealth we call on Indra, Lord of wealth, on Satakratu with our lauds.
7 Never art thou neglectful: thou guardest both races with thy care.
The call on Indra, fourth Aditya! is thine own. Amrta is stablished in the heavens.
8 The offercr whom thou, Indra, Lover of the Song, liberal Maghavan, favourest,-
As at the call of Kanva so, O gracious Lord, hear, thou our songs and eulogy.
9 Sung is the song of ancient time: to Indra have ye said the prayer.
They have sung many a Brhati of sacrifice, poured forth the worshipper's many thoughts.
10 Indra hath tossed together mighty stores of wealth, and both the worlds, yea, and the Sun.
Pure, brightly-shining, mingled with the milk, the draughts of Soma have made Indra glad.
HYMN V. Indra.
1. As highest of the Maghavans, preeminent among the Bulls, Best breaker-down of forts, kine-winner,
Lord of wealth, we seek thee, Indra Maghavan.
2 Thou who subduedst Ayu, Kutsa, Atithigva, waxing daily in thy might,
As such, rousing thy power, we invocate thee now, thee Satakratu, Lord of Bays.
Rig Veda – English Translation
3 The pressing-stones shall pour for us the essence of the meath of all,
Drops that have been pressed out afar among the folk, and those that have been pressed near us.
4 Repel all enmities and keep thern far away: let all win treasure for their own.
Even among Sistas are the stalks that make thee glad, where thou with Soma satest thee.
5 Come, Indra, very near to us with aids of firmly-based resolve;
Come, most auspicious, with thy most auspicious help, good Kinsman, with good kinsmen, come!
6 Bless thou with progeny the chief of men, the lord of heroes, victor in the fray.
Aid with thy powers the men who sing thee lauds and keep their spirits ever pure and bright.
7 May we be such in battle as are surest to obtain thy grace:
With holy offerings and invocations of the Gods, we mean, that we may win the spoil.
8 Thine, Lord of Bays, am I. Prayer longeth for the spoil. Still with thy help I seek the fight.
So, at the raiders' head, I, craving steeds and kine, unite myself with thee alone.
HYMN VI. Indra.
1. INDRA, the poets with. their hymns extol this hero might of thine: They strengthened, loud in song, th
y power that droppeth oil. With hymns the Pauras came to thee.
2 Through piety they came to Indra for his aid, they whose libations give theejoy.
As thou with, Krsa and Samvarta hast rejoiced, so, Indra, be thou glad with us.
3 Agreeing in your spirit, all ye Deities, come nigh to us.
Vasus and Rudras shall come near to give us aid, and Maruts listen to our call.
4 May Pusan, Visnu, and Sarasvati befriend, and the Seven Streams, this call of mine:
May Waters, Wind, the Mountains, and the Forest-Lord, and Earth give ear unto my cry.
5 Indra, with thine own bounteous gift, most liberal of the Mighty Ones,
Be our boon benefactor, Vrtra-slayer, be our feast-companion for our weal.
6 Leader of heroes, Lord of battle, lead thou us to combat, thou Most Sapient One.
High fame is theirs who win by invocations, feasts and entertainment of the Gods.
7 Our hopes rest on the Faithful One: in Indra is the people's life.
O Maghavan, come nigh that thou mayst give us aid: make plenteous food stream forth for us.
8 Thee would we worship, Indra, with our songs of praise: O Satakratu, be thou ours.
Pour down upon Praskanva bounty vast and firm, exuberant, that shall never fail.
HYMN VII. Praskanva's Gift.
1. GREAT, verily, is Indra's might. I have beheld, and hither comes Thy bounty, Dasyave-vrka!
2 A hundred oxen white of hue are shining like the stars in heaven,
So tall, they seem to prop the sky.
3 Bamboos a hundred, a hundred dogs, a hundred skins of beasts well-tanned,
A hundred tufts of Balbaja, four hundred red-hued mares are mine.
4 Blest by the Gods, Kinvayanas! be ye who spread through life on life:
Like horses have ye stridden forth.
5 Then men extolled the team of seven not yet full-grown, its fame is great.
The dark mares rushed along the paths, so that no eye could follow them.
Rig Veda – English Translation
HYMN VIII Praskanva's Go.
1. THY bounty, Dasyave-vrka, exhaustless hath displayed itself: Its fulness is as broad as heaven.
2 Ten thousand Dasyave-vrka, the son of Putakrata, hath
From his own wealth bestowed on me.
3 A hundred asses hath he given, a hundred head of fleecy sheep,
A hundred slaves, and wreaths besides.
4 There also was a mare led forth, picked out for Putakrata's sake,
Not of the horses of the herd.
5 Observant Agni hath appeared, oblation-bearer with his car.
Agni with his resplendent flame hath shone on high as shines the Sun, hath shone like Surya in theheaven
s.
HYMN IX. Asvins.
1. ENDOWED, O Gods, with your primeval wisdom, come quickly with your chariot, O ye Holy.
Come with your mighty powers, O ye Nasatyas; come hither, drink ye this the third libation.
2 The truthful Deities, the Three-and-Thirty, saw you approach before the Ever-Truthful.
Accepting this our worship and libation, O Asvins bright with fire, drink ye the Soma.
3 Asvins, that work of yours deserves our wonder,-the Bull of heaven and earth and air's mid region;
Yea, and your thousand promises in battle, -to all of these come near and drink beside us.
4 Here is your portion laid for you, ye Holy: come to these songs of ours, O ye Nasatyas.
Drink among us the Soma full of sweetness, and with your powers assist the man who worships.
HYMN X. Visvedevas.
1. HE whom the priests in sundry ways arranging the sacrifice, of one accord, bring hither,
Who was appointed as a learned Brahman, -what is the sacrificer's knowledge of him?
2 Kindled in many a spot, still One is Agni; Silrya is One though high o'er all he shineth.
Illumining this All, still One is usas. That which is One hath into All developed.
3 The chariot bright and radiant, treasure-laden, three-wheeled, with easy seat, and lightly rolling,
Which She of Wondrous Wealth was born to harness,-this car of yours I call. Drink what remaineth.
Indra-Varuna.
HYMN XI.
1. IN offerings poured to you, O Indra-Varuna, these shares of yours stream forth to glorify your state.
Ye haste to the libations at each sacrifice when ye assist the worshipper who sheds the juice.
2 The waters and the plants, O Indra-Varuna, had efficacious vigour, and attained to might:
Ye who have gone beyond the path of middle air,-no godless man is worthy to be called your foe.
3 True is your Krsa's word, Indra and Varuna: The seven holy voices pour a wave of meath.
For their sake, Lords of splendour! aid the pious man who, unbewildered, keeps you ever in his thoughts.
4 Dropping oil, sweet with Soma, pouring forth their stream, are the Seven Sisters in the seat of sacrifice.
These, dropping oil, are yours, O Indra-Varuna: with these enrich with gifts and help the worshipper.
5 To our great happiness have we ascribed to these Two Bright Ones truthfulness, great strength, and
majesty.
O Lords of splendour, aid us through the Three-times-Seven, as we pour holy oil, O Indra-Varuna.
6 What ye in time of old Indra and Varuna, gave Rsis revelation, thought, and power of song,
Rig Veda – English Translation
And places which the wise made, weaving sacrifice,-these through my spirit's fervid glow have I beheld.,
7 O Indra-Varuna, grant to the worshippers cheerfulness void of pride, and wealth to nourish them.
Vouchsafe us food, prosperity, and progeny, and lengthen out our days that we may see long life.
RIG VEDA
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BOOK THE NINTH
HYMN I. Soma Pavamana.
1. In sweetest and most gladdening stream flow pure, O Soma, on thy way,
Pressed out for Indra, for his drink.
2 Fiend-queller, Friend of all men, he hath with the wood attained unto
His place, his iron-fashioned home.
3 Be thou best Vrtra-slayer, best granter of bliss, most liberal:
Promote our wealthy princes' gifts.
4 Flow onward with thy juice unto the banquet of the Mighty Gods:
Flow bither for our strength and fame.
5 O Indu, we draw nigh to thee, with this one object day by day:
To thee alone our prayers are said
6 By means of this eternal fleece may Surya's Daughter purify
Thy Soma that is foaming forth.
7 Ten sister maids of slender form seize him within the press and hold
Him firmly on the final day.
8 The virgins send him forth: they blow the the skin musician-like and fuse
The triple foe-repelling meath.
9 Inviolable milch-kine round about him blend for Indra's drink,
The fresh young Soma with their milk.
10 In the wild raptures of this draught, Indra slays all the Vrtras: he,
The Hero, pours his wealth on us.
HYMN II. Soma Pavamana.
1. Soma, flow on, inviting Gods, speed to the purifying cloth: Pass into Indra, as a Bull.
2 As mighty food speed hitherward, Indu, as a most splendid Steer:
Sit in thy place as one with strength.
3 The well-loved meath was made to flow, the stream of the creative juice
ne Sage drew waters to himself.
4 The mighty waters, yea, the floods accompany thee Mighty One,
When thou wilt clothe thee with the milk.
5 The lake is brightened in the floods. Soma, our Friend, heaven's prop and stay,
Falls on the purifying cloth.
6 The tawny Bull hath bellowed, fair as mighty Mitra to behold:
He shines together with the Sun.
7 Songs, Indu, active in their might are beautified for thee, wherewith
Rig Veda – English Translation
Thou deckest thee for our delight.
8 To thee who givest ample room we pray, to win the joyous draught:
Great are the praise& due to thee.
9 Indu as, Indra's Friend, on us pour with a stream of sweetness, like
Parjanya sender of the rain.
10 Winner of kine, Indu, art thou, winner of heroes, steeds, and strength
Primeval Soul of sacrifice.
HYMN III. Soma Pavamana.
1. HERE present this Immortal God flies, like a bird upon her wings, To settle in the vats of wood.
2 This God, made ready with the hymn, runs swiftly through the winding ways,
Inviolable as he flows.
3 This God while flowing is adorned, like a bay steed for war, by men
Devout and skilled in holy songs.
4 He, like a warrior going forth with heroes, as he flows along
Is fain to win all precious boons.
5 This God, as he is flowing on, speeds like a car and gives his gifts:
He lets his voice be heard of all
6 Praised by the sacred bards, this God dives into waters, and bestows
Rich gifts upon the worshipper.
7 Away he rushes with his stream, across the regions, into heaven,
And roars as he is flowing on.
8 While flowing, meet for sacrifice, he hath gone up to heaven across
The regions, irresistible.
9 After the 'way of ancient time, this God, pressed out for Deities,
Flows tawny to the straining-cloth.
10 This Lord of many Holy Laws, even at his birth engendering strength,
Effused, flows onward in a stream.
HYMN IV. Soma Pavamana.
1. O Soma flowing on thy way, win thou and conquer high renown; And make us better than we are.
2 Win thou the light, win heavenly light, and, Soma, all felicities;
And make us better than we are.
3 Win skilful strength and mental power. O Soma, drive away our foes;
And make us better than we are.
4 Ye purifiers, purify Soma for Indra, for his drink:
Make thou us better than we are.
5 Give us our portion in the Sun through thine own mental power and aids;
And make us better than we are.
6 Through thine own mental power and aid long may we look upon the Sun;
Make thou us better than we are.
7 Well-weaponed Soma, pour to usa stream of riches doubly great;
Rig Veda – English Translation
And make us better than we are.
8 As one victorious unsubdued in battle pour forth wealth to us;
And make us better than we are.
9 By worship, Pavamana! men have strengthened thee to prop the Law:
Make thou us better than we are.
10 O Indu, bring us wealth in steeds, manifold. quickening all life;
And mate us better than we are.
HYMN V Apris.
1. ENKINDLED, Pava mana, Lord, sends forth his light on, every side In friendly show, the bellowing Bu
ll.
2 He, Pavamana, Self-produced, speeds onward sharpening his horns:
He glitters through the firmament.
3 Brilliant like wealth, adorable, with splendour Pavamana shines,
Mightily with the streams of meath.
4 The tawny Pavamana, who strews from of old the grass with might,
Is worshipped, God amid the Gods.
5 The golden, the Celestial Doors are lifted with their frames on high,
By Pavamana glorified.
6 With passion Pavamana longs for the great lofty pair, well-formed
Like beauteous maidens, Night and Dawn
7 Both Gods who look on men I call, Celestial Heralds: Indra's Self
Is Pavamana, yea, the Bull.
8 This, Pavamana's sacrifice, shall the three beauteous Goddesses,
Sarasvati and Bharati and Ila, Mighty One, attend.
9 1 summon Tvastar hither, our protector, champion, earliest-born,
Indu is Indra, tawny Steer; Pavamana is Prajapati.
10 O Pavamana, with the meath in streams anoint Vanaspati,
The ever-green. the golden-hued, refulgent, with a thousand boughs.
11 Come to the consecrating rite of Pavamana, all ye Gods,-
Vayu, Surya, Brhaspati, Indra, and Agni, in accord.
HYMN VI. Soma Pavamana.
1.
1. SOMA, flow on with pleasant stream, a Bull devoted to the Gods, Our Friend, unto the woollen
sieve.
2 Pour hitherward, as Indra's Self, Indu, that gladdening stream of thine,
And send us coursers full of strength.
3 Flow to the filter hitherward, pouring that ancient gladdening juice,
Streaming forth power and high renown.
4 Hither the sparkling drops have flowed, like waters down a steep descent
They have reached Indra purified.
5 Whom, having passed the filter, ten dames cleanse, as 'twere a vigorous steed,
While he disports him in the wood,-
6 The steer-strong juice with milk pour forth, for feast and service of the Gods,
To him who bears away the draught.
Rig Veda – English Translation
2.
7. Effused, the God flows onward with his stream to Indra, to the God,
So that his milk may strengthen him.
8 Soul of the sacrifice, the juice effused flows quickly on: he keeps
His ancient wisdom of a Sage.
9 So pouring forth, as Indra's Friend, strong drink, best Gladdener! for the feast,
Thou, even in secret, storest hymns.
HYMN VII. Soma Pavamana.
1. FORTH on their way the glorious drops have flowed for maintenance of Law,
Knowing this sacrifice's course.
2 Down in the mighty waters sinks the stream of meath, most excellent,
Oblation best of all in worth.
3 About the holy place, the Steer true, guileless, noblest, hath sent forth
Continuous voices in the wood.
4 When, clothed in manly strength, the Sage flows in celestial wisdom round,
The Strong would win the light of heaven.
5 When purified, he sits as King above the hosts, among his folk,
What time the sages bring him nigh.
6 Dear, golden-coloured, in the fleece he sinks and settles in the wood:
The Singer shows his zeal in hymns.
7 He goes to Indra, Vayu, to the Asvins, as his custom is,
With gladdening juice which gives them joy.
8 Tle streams of pleasant Soma flow to Bhaga, Mitra-Varuna,-
Well-knowing through his mighty powers.
Heaven and Earth, riches of meath to win us wealth:
Gain for us treasures and renown.
HYMN VIII. Soma Pavamana.
1. OBEYING Indra 's dear desire these Soma juices have flowed forth, Increasing his heroic might.
2 Laid in the bowl, pure-flowing on to Vayu and the Asvins, may
These give us great heroic strength.
3 Soma, as thou art purified, incite to bounty Indra's heart,
To sit in place of sacrifice.
4 The ten swift fingers deck thee forth, seven ministers impel thee on:
The sages have rejoiced in thee.
5 When through the filter thou art poured, we clothe thee with a robe of milk
To be a gladdening draught for Gods.
6 When purified within the jars, Soma, brightred and golden-hued,
Hath clothed him with a robe of milk.
7 Flow on to us and make us rich. Drive all our enemies away.
O Indu, flow into thy Friend.
Send down the rain from heaven, a stream of opulence from earth. Give us,
O Soma, victory in war.
Rig Veda – English Translation
9 May we obtain thee, Indra's drink, who viewest men and findest light,
Gain thee, and progeny and food.
HYMN IX. Soma Pavamana.
I. THE Sage of Heaven whose heart is wise, when laid between both hands and pressed,
Sends us delightful powers of life.
2 On, onward to a glorious home; dear to the people void of guile,
With excellent enjoyment, flow.
3 He, the bright Son, when born illumed his Parents who had sprung to life,
Great Son great Strengtheners of Law.
4 Urged by the seven devotions he hath stirred the guileless rivers which
Have magnified the Single Eye.
5 These helped to might theYouthful One, high over all, invincible,
Even Indu, Indra! in thy law.
6 The immortal Courser, good to draw, looks down upon the Seven: the fount
Hath satisfied the Goddesses
7 Aid us in holy rites, O Man: O Pavamana, drive away
Dark shades that must be met in fight.
8 Make the paths ready for a hymn newer and newer evermore:
Make the lights shine as erst they shone.
9 Give, Pavamana, high renown, give kine and steeds and hero sons:
Win for us wisdom, win the light.
HYMN X. Soma Pavamana.
1. LIKE cars that thunder on their way, like coursers eager for renown, Have Soma-drops flowed forth fo
r wealth.
2 Forth have they rushed from holding hands, like chariots that are urged to speed,
Like joyful songs of singing-men.
3 The Somas deck themselves with milk, as Kings are graced with eulogies,
And, with seven priests, the sacrifice.
4 Pressed for the gladdening draught, the drops flow forth abundantly with song,
The Soma juices in a stream.
5 Winning Vivasvan's glory and producing Morning's light, the Suns
Pass through the openings of the cloth.
6 The singing-men of ancient time open the doors of sacred songs,-
Men, for the mighty to accept.
7 Combined in close society sit the seven priests, the brother-hood,
Filling the station of the One.
8 He gives us kinship with the Gods, and with the Sun unites our eye:
The Sage's ofrspring hath appeared.
9 The Sun with his dear eye beholds that quarter of the heavens which priests
Have placed within the sacred cell.
Rig Veda – English Translation
HYMN XL Soma Pavamana.
1. SING forth to Indu, O ye men, to him who is purified, Fain to pay worship to the Gods.
2 Together with thy pleasant juice the Atharvans have commingled milk,
Divine, devoted to the God.
3 Bring, by thy flowing, weal to kine, weal to the people, weal to steeds.
Weal, O thou King, to growing plants
4 Sing a praise-song to Soma brown of hue, of independent might.
The Red, who reaches up to heaven.
5 Purify Soma when effused with stones which bands move rapidly,
And pour the sweet milk in the meath.
6 With humble homage draw ye nigh; blend the libation with the curds:
To Indra offer Indu up.
7 Soma, foe-que chief o'er men, doing the will of pour forth
Prosperity upon our kine.
8 Heart-knower, Sovran of the heart, thou art effused, O Soma, that Indra may drink thee and rejoice.
9 O Soma Pavamana, give us riches and heroic strength,-
Indu! with. Indra for ally.
HYMN XII. Soma Pavamana.
1. To Indra have the Soma drops, exceeding rich in sweets, been poured, Shed in the seat of sacrifice.
2 As mother kine low to their calves, to Indra have the sages called,
Called him to drink the Soma juice.
3 In the stream's wave wise Soma dwells, distilling rapture, in his seat,
Resting upon a wiId-cow's hide.
4 Far-sighted Soma, Sage and Seer, is worshipped in the central point
Of heaven, the straining-cloth of wool.
5 In close embraces Indu holds Soma when
poured within the jars.
And on the. purifying sieve.
6 Indu sends forth a voice on high to regions of the sea of air,
Shaking the vase that drops with meath.
7 The Tree whose praises never fail yields heavenly milk among our hymns,
Urging men's generations on.
8 The Wise One, with the Sage's stream, the Soma urged to speed, flows on
To the dear places of the sky.
9 O Pavamana, bring us wealth bright with a thousand splendours. Yea.
O Indu, give us ready help.
HYMN XIII. Soma Pavamana.
1. PASSED through, the fleece in thousand streams the Soma, purified, flows on
To Indra's, Viyu's special place.
2 Sing forth, ye men who long for help, to Pavamana, to the Sage,
Effused to entertain the Gods.
Rig Veda – English Translation
3 The Soma-drops with thousand powers are purified for victory,
Hymned to become the feast of Gods.
4 Yea, as thou flowest bring great store of food that we may win the spoil
Indu, bring splendid manly might.
5 May they in flowing give us wealth in thousands, and heroic power,-
These Godlike Soma-drops effused.
6 Like coursers by their drivers urged, they were poured forth, for victory,
Swift through the woollen straining-cloth.
7 Noisily flow the Soma-drops, like milch-kine lowing to their calves:
They have run forth from both the hands.
8 As Gladdener whom Indra loves, O Pavamana, with a roar
Drive all our enemies away.
9 O Pavamamas, driving off the godless, looking on the light, Sit in the place of s
acrifice.
HYMN XIV. Soma Pavamana.
1. REPOSING on the river's wave the Sage hath widely flowed around, Bearing the hymn which many lo
ve.
2 When the Five kindred Companies, active in duty, with the song
Establish him, the Powerful,
3 Then in his juice whose strength is great, have all the Gods rejoiced themselves,
When he hath clothed him in the milk.
4 Freeing himself he flows away, leaving his body's severed limbs,
And meets his own Companion here.
5 He by the daughters of the priest, like a fair youth, hath been adorned,
Making the milk, as 'twere, his robe.
6 O'er the fine fingers, through desire of milk, in winding course he goes,
And utters voice which he hath found.
7 The nimble fingers have approached, adorning him the Lord of Strength:
They grasp the vigorous Courser's back.
8 Comprising all the treasures that are in the heavens and on the earth,
Come, Soma, as our faithful Friend.
HYMN XV. Soma Pavamana.
1. THROUGH the fine fingers, with the song, this Hero comes with rapid ears,
Going to Indra's special place.
2 In holy thought he ponders much for the great worship of the Gods.
Where the Immortals have their seat.
3 Like a good horse is he led out, when on the path that shines with light
The mettled steeds exert their strength.
4 He brandishes his horns on high, and whets them Bull who leads the herd,
Doing with might heroic deeds.
Rig Veda – English Translation
5 He moves, a vigorous Steed, adorned with beauteous rays of shining gold,
Becoming Sovran of the streams.
6 He, over places rough to pass, bringing rich treasures closely packed.
Descends into the reservoirs.
7 Men beautify him in the vats, him worthy to be beautified,
Him who brings forth abundant food.
8 Him, even him, the fingers ten and the seven songs make beautiful,
Well-weaponed, best of gladdeners.
HYMN XVI. Soma Pavamana.
1. THE pressers from the Soma-press send forth thy juice for rapturous joy
The speckled sap runs like a flood.
2 With strength we follow through the sieve him who brings might and wins the kine,
Enrobed in water with his juice.
3 Pour on the sieve the Soma, ne'er subdued in waters, waterless,
And make it pure for Indra's drink.
4 Moved by the purifier's thought, the Soma flows into the sieve:
By wisdom it hath gained its home.
5 With humble homage, Indra, have the Soma-drops flowed forth to thee,
Contending for the glorious prize.
6 Purified in his fleecy garb, attaining every beauty, he
Stands, hero-like, amid the kine.
7 Swelling, as 'twere, to heights of heaven, the stream of the creative juice
Falls lightly on the cleansing sieve.
8 Thus, Soma, purifying himwho knoweth song mid living men,
Thou wanderest through the cloth of wool.
HYMN XVII. Soma Pavamana.
1. LIKE rivers down a steep descent, slaying the Vrtras, full of zeal, The rapid Soma-streams have flowe
d.
2 The drops of Soma juice effused fall like the rain upon the earth:
To Indra flow the Soma-streams.
3 With swelling wave the gladdening drink, the Soma, flows into.the sieve,
Loving the Gods and slaying fiends.
4 It hastens to the pitchers, poured upon the sieve it waxes strong
At sacrifices through the lauds.
5 Soma, thou shinest mounting heaven as 'twere above light's triple realm,
And moving secm'st to speed the Sun.
6 To him, the head of sacnfice, singers and bards have sung their songs,
Offering what he loves to see.
7 The men, the sages with their hymns, eager for help, deck thee strong &teed,
Deck thee for service of the Gods.
8 Flow onward to the stream of meath rest efficacious in thy home,
Fair, to be drunk at sacrifice.
Rig Veda – English Translation
HYMN XVIII. Soma Pavamana.
1. THOU, Soma, dweller on the hills, effused, hast flowed into the sieve,:
All-bounteous art thou in carouse.
2 Thou art a sacred Bard, a Sage; the meath is offipring of thy sap:
All-bountcous art thou in carouse.
3 All Deities of one accord have come that they may drink of thee:
All-bounteous art thou in carouse.
4 He who containeth in his hands all treasures much to be desired:
All-bounteous art thou in carouse.
5 Who milketh out this mighty Pair, the Earth and Heaven, like mother kine
All-bounteous art thou in carouse.
6 Who in a moment mightily floweth around these two world-halvcs:
All-bounteous art thou in carouse.
7 The Strong One, being purified, hath in the pitchers cried aloud:
All-bounteous art thou in carouse.
HYMN XIX. Soma Pavamana.
1. O SOMA, being purified bring us the wondrous treasure, meet For lauds, that is in earth and heaven.
2 For ye Twain, Indra, Soma, are Lords of the light, Lords of the kine:
Great Rulers, prosper ye our songs.
3 The tawny Steer, while cleansed among the living, bellowing on the grass,
Hath sunk and settled in his home.
4 Over the Steer's productive flow the sacred songs were resonant,
The mothers of the darling Son.
5 Hath he not, purified, impregned the kine whb long to meet their Lord,
The kine who yield the shining milk?
6 Bring near us those who stand aloof strike fear into our enemies:
O Pavamana, find us wealth.
7 Soma, bring down the foeman's might, his vigorous strength and vital powe'r,
Whether he be afar or near.
HYMN XX Soma Pavamana.
1. FORTH through the straining-cloth the Sage flows to the banquet of the Gods,
Subduing all our enemies.
2 For he, as Pavamana, sends thousandfold treasure in the shape
Of cattle to the singing-men.
3 Thou graspest all things with thy mind, and purifiest thee with thoughts
As such, O Soma, find us fame.
4 Pour lofty glory on us, send sure riches to our liberal lords,
Bring food to those who sing thy praise.
5 As thou art cleansed, O Wondrous Steed, O Soma, thou hast entered, like
A pious King, into the songs.
Rig Veda – English Translation
6 He, Soma, like a courser in the floods invincible, made clean
With hands, is resting in the jars.
7 Disporting, like a liberal chief, thou goest, Soma, to the sieve,
Lending the laud a Hero's strength.
HYMN XXI. Soma Pavamana.
1. To Indra flow these running drops, these Somas frolicsome in mood. Exhilarating, finding light;
2 Driving off foes, bestowing room upon the presser, willingly
Bringing their praiser vitalforce.
3 Lightly disporting them, the drops flow to one common reservoir,
And fall into the river's wave.
4 These Pavamanas have obtained all blessings much to be desired,
Like coursers harnessed to a car.
5 With view to us, O Soma-drops, bestow his manifold desire
On him who yet hath given us naught.
6 Bring us our wish with this design, as a wright brings his new-wrought wheel:
Flow pure and shining with the stream.
7 These drops have cried with resonant voice: like swift steeds they have run the course,
And roused the good man's hymn to life.
HYMN XXII. Soma Pavamana.
1. THESE rapid Soma-streams have stirred themselves to motion like strong steeds,
Like cars, like armies hurried forth.
2 Swift as wide winds they lightly move, like rain-storms of Parjanya, like
The flickering flames of burning fire.
3 These Soma juices, blent with curds, purified, skilled in sacred hymns,
Have gained by song their hearts'desire.
4 Immortal, cleansed, these drops, since first they flowed, have never wearied, fain
To reach the regions and their paths.
5 Advancing they have travelled o'er the ridges of the earth and heaven,
And this the highest realm of all.
6 Over the heights have they attained the highest thread that is spun out,
And this which must be deemed most high.
7 Thou, Soma, boldest wealth in kine which thou hast seized from niggard churls:
Thou calledst forth the outspun thread.
HYMN XXIII. Soma Pavamana.
1. SWIFT Soma drops have been effused in streams of meath, the gladdening drink,
For sacred lore of every kind.
2 Hither to newer. resting-place the ancient Living Ones are come.
They made the Sun that he might shine.
3 O Pavamana, bring to us the unsacrificing foeman's wealth,
Rig Veda – English Translation
And give us food with progeny.
4 The living Somas being cleansed diffuse exhilarating drink,
Turned to the vat which drips with meath.
5 Soma gows on intelligent, possessing sap and mighty strength,
Brave Hero who repels the curse.
6 For Indra, Soma! thou art cleansed, a feast-companion for the Gods:
1ndu, thou fain wilt win us strength
7 When he had drunken draughts of this, Indra smote down resistless foes:
Yea, smote them, and shall smite them still.
HYMN XXIV.Soma Pavamana.
1. HITHERWARD have the Soma streamed, the drops while they are purified:
When bIent, in waters they are rinsed.
2 The milk hath run to meet them like floods rushing down a precipice:
They come to Indra, being cleansed.
3 O Soma Pavamana, thou art flowing to be Indra's drink:
The men have seized and lead thee forth.
4 Victorious, to be hailed with joy, O Soma, flow, delighting men,
To him who ruleth o'er mankind.
5 Thou, Indu, when, effused by stones, thou runnest to the filter, art,
Ready for Indra's high decree.
6 Flow on, best Vrtra-slayer; flow meet to be hailed with joyful lauds.
Pure, purifying, wonderful.
7 Pure, purifying is he called the Soma of the meath eflused,
Slayer of sinners, dear to Gods.
HYMN XXV. Soma Pavamana.
1. GREEN-HUED! as one who giveth strength flow on for Gods to drink, a draught
For Vayu and the Marut host.
2 O Pavamana, sent by song, roaring about thy dwelling-place,
Pass into Vayu as Law bids.
3 The Steer shines with the Deities, dear Sage in his appointed home,
Foe-Slayer, most beloved by Gods.
4 Taking each beauteous form, he goes, desirable, while purified,
Thither where- the Immortals sit.
5 To Indra Soma flows, the Red, engendering song, exceeding wise,
The visitor of living men.
6 Flow, best exhilarator, Sage, flow to the filter in a stream
To seat thee in the place of song.
HYMN XXVI. Soma Pavamana.
1. THE sages with the fingers' art have dressed and decked that vigorous Steed
Rig Veda – English Translation
Upon the lap of Aditi,
2 The kine have called aloud to him exhaustless with a thousand streams,
To Indu who supporteth heaven.
3 Him, nourisher of many, Sage, creative Pavamana, they
Have sent, by wisdom, to the sky.
4 Him, dweller with Vivasvan, they with use of both arms have sent forth,
The Lord of Speech infallible.
5 Him, green, beloved, many eyed, the Sisters with prosing stones
Send down to ridges of the sieve.
6 O Pavamana, Indu, priests hurry thee on to Indra, thee
Who aidest song and cheerest him.
HYMN XXVII. Soma Pavamana.
1. THIS Sage, exalted by our lauds, flows to the purifying cloth, Scattering foes as he is cleansed.
2 As giving power and winning light, for Indra and for Vayu he
Is poured upon the filtering-cloth.
3 The men conduct him, Soma, Steer, Omniscient, and the Head of Heaven,
Effused into the vats of wood.
4 Longing for kine, longing for gold hath Indu Pavamana lowed,
Still Conqueror, never overcome.
5 This Pavamana, gladdening draught, drops on the filtering cloth, and then
Mounts up with Surya to the sky.
6 To Indra in the firmament this mighty tawny Steer hath flowed,
This Indu, being purified.
HYMN XXVIII. Soma Pavamana.
1. URGED by the men, this vigorous Steed, Lord of the mind, Omniscient, Runs to the woollen straining
-cloth.
2 Within the filter hath he flowed, this Soma for the Gods effused,
Entering all their essences.
3 He shines in beauty there, this God Immortal in his dwelling-place,
Foe-slayer, dearest to the Gods.
4 Directed by the Sisters ten, bellowing on his way this Steer
Runs onward to the wooden vats.
5 This Pavamana, swiftand strong, Omniscient, gave spleudour to
The Sun and all his forms of light.
6 This Soma being purified, flows mighty and infallible,
Slayer of sinners, dear toGods.
HYMN XXIX. Soma Pavamana.
1. FORWARD with mighty force have flowed the currents of this Steer effused,
Of him who sets him by the Gods.
Rig Veda – English Translation
2 The singers praise him with their song, and learned priests adorn the Steed,
Brought forth as light that merits laud.
3 These things thou winnest lightly while purified, Soma, Lord of wealth:
Fill full the sea that claims our praise.
4 Winning all precious things at once, flow on, O Soma, with thy stream
Drive to one place our enemies.
5 Preserve us from the godless, from ill-omened voice of one and all,
That so we may be freed from blame.
6 O Indu, as thou flowest on bring us the wealth of earth and heaven,
And splendid vigour, in thy stream.
HYMN XXX. Soma Pavamana.
1. STREAMS of this Potent One have flowed easily to the straining-cloth:
While he is cleansed he lifts his voice.
2 Indu, by pressers urged to speed, bellowing out while beautified.
Sends forth a very mighty sound.
3 Pour on us, Soma, with thy stream manconquering might which many crave,
Accompanied with hero sons.
4 Hither hath Pavamana flowed, Soma flowed hither in a stream,
To settle in the vats of wood.
5 To waters with the stones they drive thee tawny-hued, most rich in sweets,
O Indu, to be Indra's drink.
6 For Indra, for the Thunderer press the Soma very rich in sweets,
Lovely, inspiriting, for strength.
HYMN XXXI. Soma Pavamana.
1. THE, Soma-drops, benevolent, come forth as they are purified, Bestowing wealth which all may see.
2 O Indu, high o'er heaven and earth be thou, increaser of our might:
The Master of all strength be thou.
3 The winds are gracious in their love to thee, the rivers flow to thee
Soma, they multiply thy power.
4 Soma, wax great. From every side may vigorous powers unite in thee:
Be in the gathering-Place of strength.
5 For thee, brown-hued! the kine have poured imperishable oil and milk.
Aloft on the sublimest height.
6 Friendship, O Indu, we desire with thee who bearest noble arms,
With thee, O Lord of all that is.
HYMN XXXII. Soma Pavamana.
1. THE rapture-shedding Soma-drops, effused in our assembly, have Flowed forth to glorify our prince.
2 Then Trita's Maidens onward urge the Tawny-coloured with the stones,
Indu for Indra, for his drink.
Rig Veda – English Translation
3 Now like a swan he maketh all the company sing each his hymn:
He, like a steed, is bathed in milk.
4 O Soma, viewing heaven and earth, thou runncst like a darting deer
Set in the place of sacrifice.
5 The cows have sung with joy to him, even as a woman to her love
He came as to a settled race.
6 Bestow illustrious fame on us, both on our liberal lords and me,
Glory, intelligence, and wealth.
HYMN XXXIII. Soma Pavamana.
1. LIKE waves of waters, skilled in song the juices of the Soma speed Onward, as buffaloes to woods.
2 With stream of sacrifice the brown bright drops have flowed with strength in store
Of kine into the wooden vats.
3 To Indra, Vayu, Varuna, to Visnu, and the Maruts, flow
The drops of Soma juice effused.
4 Three several words are uttered: kine are ]owing, cows who give their milk:
The Tawny-hued goes bellowing on.
5 The young and sacred mothers of the holy rite have uttered praise:
They decorate the Child of Heaven.
6 From every side, O Soma, for our profit, pour thou forth four seas
Filled full of riches thousandfold.
HYMN XXXIV. Some Pavamana.
1. THE drop of Soma juice effused flows onward with this stream impelled.
Rending strong places with its might.
2 Poured forth to Indra, Varuna, to Vayu and the Marut hosts,
To Visnu, flows the Soma juice.
3 With stones they press the Soma forth, the Strong conducted by the strong:
They milk the liquor out with skill.
4 'Tis he whom Trita must refine, 'tis he who shall make Indra glad:
The Tawny One is decked with tints.
5 Him do the Sons of Prsni milk, the dwelling-place of sacrifice,
Oblation lovely and most dear.
6 To him in one unitcd stream th-,se songs flow on straight forward. he,
Loud voiced, hath made the milch-kine low.
HYMN XXXV. Soma Pavamana.
1. Pour forth on us abundant wealth, O Pavamana, with thy stream. Wherewith thou ma yest find us light
2 O Indu, swayer of the sea, shaker of all things, flow thou on,
Bearer of wealth to us with might.
3 With thee for Hero, Valiant One! may we subdue our enemies:
Let what is precious flow to us.
Rig Veda – English Translation
4 Indu arouses strength the Sage who strives for victory, winning power,
Discovering holy works and means.
5 Mover of speech, we robe him with our songs as he is purified
Soma, the Guardian of the folk;
6 On whose way, Lord of Holy Law, most richi as he is purified.
The people all have set their hearts.
HYMN XXXVI. Soma Pavamana.
1. FORTH from the mortar is the juice sent, like a car-horse, to the sieve:
The Steed steps forward to the goal.
2 Thus, Soma, watchful, bearing well, cheering the Gods, flow past the sieve,
Turned to the vat that drops with meath.
3 Excellent Pavamana, make the lights shine brightly out for us.
Speed us to mental power and skill.
4 He, beautified by pious men, and coming from their hands adorned,
Flows through the fleecy straining-cloth.
5 May Soma pour all treasures of the heavens, the earth, the firmament
Upon the liberal worshipper.
6 Thou mountest to the height of heaven, O Soma, seeking steeds and kine,
And seeking heroes, Lord of Strength!
HYMN XXXVII. Soma Pavamana.
1. SOMA, the Steer, effused for draught, flows to the purifying sieve, Slaying the fiends, loving the Gods.
2 Far-sighted, tawny-coloured, he flows to the sieve, intelligent,
Bellowing, to his place of rest.
3 This vigorous Pavamana runs forth to the luminous realm of heaven,
Fiend-slayer, through the fleecy sieve.
4 This Payamana up above Trita's high ridge hath made the Sun,
Together with the Sisters, shine.
5 This Vrtra-slaying Steer, effused, Soma room-giver, ne'er deceived,
Hath gone, as 'twere, to win the spoil.
6 Urged onward by the sage, the God speeds forward to the casks of wood,
Indu to Indra willingly.
HYMN XXXVIII. Soma Pavamana.
1. THIS Steer, this Chariot, rushes through the woollen filter, as he goes
To war that wins a thousand spoils.
2 The Dames of Trita with the stones onward impel this Tawny One
Indu to Indra for his drink.
Rig Veda – English Translation
3 Ten active fingers carefully adorn him here; they make him bright
And beauteous for the gladdening draught.
4 He like a falcon settles down amid the families of men.
Speeding like lover to his love.
5 This young exhilarating juice looks downward from its place in heaven,
This Soma-drop that pierced the sieve.
6 Poured for the draught, this tawny juice
flows forth, intelligent, crying out,
Unto the well-beloved place.
HYMN XXXIX Soma Pavamana.
1. FLOW On, O thou of lofty thought, flow swift in thy beloved form, Saying, I go where dwell the Gods.
2 Preparing what is unprepared, and bringing store of food to man,
Make thou the rain descend from heaven.
3 With might, bestowing power, thejuice enters the purifying sieve,
Far-seeing, sending forth its light.
4 This is it which in rapid course hath with the river's wave flowed down
From heaven upon the straining cloth.
5 Inviting him frorh far away, and even from near at hand, the juice
For Indra is poured forth as meath.
6 In union they have sung the hymn: with stones they urge the Tawny One.
Sit in the place of sacrifice.
HYMN XL. Soma Pavamana.
1. THE Very Active hath assailed, while purified, all enemies: They deck the Sage with holy songs.
2 The Red hath mounted to his place; to India, goes the mighty juice:
He settles in his firm abode.
3 O Indu, Soma, send us now great opulence from every side, Pour on us treasures thousandfold.
4 O Soma Pavamana, bring, Indu, all splcndours hitherward:
Find for us food in boundless store.
5 As thou art cleansed, bring hero strength and riches to thy worshipper,
And prosper thou the singer's hymns.
6 O Indu, Soma, being cleansed, bring hither riches doublypiled,
Wealth, mighty Indu, meet for lauds.
HYMN XLI. Soma Pavamana.
1. ACTIVE and bright have they come forth, impetuous in speed like bulls,
Driving the black skin far away.
2 Quelling the riteless Dasyu, may we think upon the bridge of bliss,
Leaving the bridge of woe behind.
3 The mighty Pavamana's roar is heard as 'twere the rush of rain
Lightnings are flashing to the sky.
Rig Veda – English Translation
4 Pour out on us abundant food, when thou art pressed, O Indu wealth
In kine and gold and steeds and spoil.
5 Flow on thy way, Most Active, thou. fill full the mighty heavens and earth,
As Dawn, as Surya with his beams.
6 On every side, O Soma, flow round us with thy protecting stream,
As Rasa flows around the world.
HYMN XLII. Soma Pavamana.
1. ENGENDERING the Sun in floods, engendering heaven's lights, green-hued,
Robed in the waters and the milk,
2 According to primeval plan this Soma, with his stream, effused
Flows purely on, a God for Gods.
3 For him victorious, waxen great, the juices with a thousand powers
Are purified for winning spoil.
4 Shedding the ancient fluid he is poured into the cleansing sieve:
He, thundering, hath produced the Gods.
5 Soma, while purifying, sends hither all things to be desired,
He sends the Gods who strengthen Law.
6 Soma, effused, pour on us wealth in kine, in heroes, steeds, and spoil,
Send us abundant store of food.
HYMN XLIII. Soma Pavamana.
1. WE will enrobe with sacred song the Lovely One who, as a Steed, Is decked with milk for rapturous jo
y.
2 All songs of ours desiring grace adorn him in the ancient way,
Indu for Indra, for his drink.
3 Soma flows on when purified, beloved and adorned with songs,
Songs of the sage Medhyatithi.
4 O Soma Pavamana, find exceeding glorious wealth for us,
Wealth, Indu, fraught with boundless might.
5 Like courser racing to the prize Indu, the lover of the Gods,
Roars, as he passes, in the sieve.
6 Flow on thy way to win us strength, to speed the sage who praises thee:
Soma, bestow heroic power.
HYMN XLIV. Soma Pavamana.
1. INDU, to us for this great rite, bearing as 'twere thy wave to Gods, Unwearied, thou art flowing forQh.
2 Pleased with the hymn, impelled by prayer, Soma is hurried far away,
The Wise One in the Singer's stream.,
3 Watchful among the. gods, this juice advances to the cleansing sieve
Soma, most active, travels on.
4 Flow onward, seeking strength for us, embellishing the sacrifice:
The priest with trimmed grass calleth thee.
Rig Veda – English Translation
5 May Soma, ever bringing power to Bhaga and to Vayu, Sage
And Hero, lead us to the Gods.
6 So, to increase our wealth to-day, Inspirer, best of Furtherers,
Win for us strength and high renown.
HYMN XLV. Soma Pavamana.
1. FLOW, thou who viewest men, to give delight, to entertain the Gods, Indu, to Indra for his drink.
2 Stream to thine embassy for us: thou hastenest, for Indra, to
The Gods, O better than our friends.
3 We balm thee, red of hue, with milk to fit thee for the rapturous joy:
Unbar for us the doors of wealth.
4 He through the sieve hath passed, as comes a courser to the pole, to run
Indu belongs unto the Gods.
5 All friends have lauded him as he sports in the wood, beyond the fleece:
Singers have chanted Indu's praise.
6 Flow, Indu, with that stream wherein steeped thou announcest to the man
Who worships thee heroic strength.
HYMN XLVI. Soma Pavamana.
1. LIKE able coursers they have been sent forth to be the feast of Gods,
joying in mountains, flowing on.
2 To Vayu flow the Soma-streams, the drops of juice made beautiful
Like a bride dowered by her sire.
3 Pressed in the mortar, these, the drops of
juice, the Somas rich in food,
Give strength to Indra with their work.
4 Deft-handed men, run hither, seize the brilliant juices blent with meal,
And cook with milk the gladdening draught.
5 Thus, Soma, Conqueror of wealth! flow, finding furtherance for us,
Giver oF ample opulence.
6 This Pavamana, meet to be adorned, the fingers ten adorn,
The draught that shall make Indra glad.
HYMN XLVII. Soma Pavamana.
1. GREAT as he was, Soma hath gained strength by this high solemnity: joyous he riseth like a bull.
2 His task is done: his crushings of the Dasyus are made manifest:
He sternly reckoneth their debts.
3 Soon as his song of praise is born, the Soma, Indra's juice, becomes
A thousand-winning thunderbolt.
4 Seer and Sustainer, he himself desireth riches for the sage
When he embellisheth his songs.
5 Fain would they both win riches as in races of the steeds. In war
Thou art upon the conquerors' side.
Rig Veda – English Translation
HYMN XLVIII. Soma Pavamana.
1. WITH sacrifice we seek to thee kind Cherisher of manly might In mansions of the lofty heavens;
2 Gladdening crusher of the bold, ruling with very mighty sway,
Destroyer of a hundred forts.
3 Hence, Sapient One! the Falcon, strong of wing, unwearied, brought thee down,
Lord over riches, from the sky.
4 That each may see the light, the Bird brought us the guard of Law, the Friend
Of all, the speeder through the air.
5 And now, sent forth, it hath attained to mighty power and majesty,
Most active, ready to assist.
HYMN XLIX. Soma Pavamana.
1. Poust down the rain upon us, pour a wave of waters from the sky, And plenteous store of wholesome fb
od.
2 Flow onward with that stream of thine, whereby the cows have come to us,
The kine of strangers to our home.
3 Chief Friend of Gods in sacred rites, pour on us fatness with thy stream,
Ppur down on us a flood of rain.
4 To give us vigour, with thy stream run through the fleecy straining-cloth
For verily the Gods will bear.
5 Onward hath Pavamana flowed and beaten off the Raksasas,
Flashing out splendour as of old.
HYMN L. Soma Pavamana.
1. LOUD as a river's roaring wave thy powers have lifted up themselves: Urge on thine arrow's sharpened
point.
2 At thine effusion upward rise three voices full of joy, when thou
Flowest upon the fleecy ridge.
3 On to the fleece they urge with stone the tawny well-beloved One,
Even Pavamana, dropping meath.
4 Flow with thy current to the sieve, O Sage most powerful to cheer,
To seat thee in the place of song.
5 Flow, Most Exhilarating! flow anointed with the milk for balm,
Indu, for Indra, for his drink.
HYMN LI. Soma Pavamana.
1. ADHVARYU, on the filter pour the Soma juice expressed with stones, And make it pure for Indra's dri
nk.
2 Pour out for Indra, Thunder-armed, the milk of heaven,, the Soma's juice,
Most excellent, most rich in sweets.
Rig Veda – English Translation
3 These Gods and all the Marut host, Indu enjoy this juice of thine,
This Pavamana's flowing meath.
4 For, Soma, thou hast been effused, strengthening for the wild carouse,
O Steer, the singer, for our help.
5 Flow with thy stream, Far-sighted One, effused, into the cleansing sieve:
Flow on to give us strength and fame.
HYMN LII. Soma Pavamana.
1. WEALTH-WINNER, dwelling in the sky, bringing us vigour with the juice,
Flow to the filter when effused.
2 So, in thine ancient ways, may he, beloved, with a thousand streams
Run o'er the fleecy straining-cloth.
3 Him who is like a caldron shake: O Indu, shake thy gift to us
Shake it, armed Warrior! with thine arms.
4 Indu, invoked with many a prayer, bring down the vigour of these men,
Of him who threatens us with war.
5 Indu, Wealth-giver, with thine help pour out for us a hundred, yea,
A thousand of thy pure bright streams.
HYMN LIII. Soma Pavamana.
1. O THOU with stones for arms, thy powers, crushing the fiends, have raised themselves:
Chase thou the foes who compass us.
2 Thou conquerest thus with might when car meets car, and when the prize is staked:
With fearless heart will I sing praise.
3 No one with evil thought assails this Pavamana's holy laws:
Crush him who fain would fight with thee.
4 For Indra to the streams they drive the tawny rapture-dropping Steed,
Indu the bringer of delight.
HYMN LIV. Soma Pavamana.
1. AFTER his ancient splendour, they, the bold, have drawn the bright milk from
The Sage who wins a thousand gifts.
2 In aspect he is like the Sun; he runneth forward to the lakes,
Seven currents flowing through the sky.
3 He, shining in his splendour, stands high over all things that exist-
Soma, a God as Surya is.
4 Thou, Indu, in thy brilliancy, pourest on us, as Indra's Friend,
Wealth from the kine to feast the Gods.
HYMN LV. Soma Pavamana.
1. POUR on us with thy juice all kinds of corn, each sort of nourishment,
And, Soma, all felicities.
Rig Veda – English Translation
2 As thine, O Indu, is the praise, and thine what springeth from the juice,
Seat thee on the dear sacred grass.
3 And, finding for us kine and steeds, O Soma, with thy juice flow on
Through days that fly most rapidly.
4 As one who conquers, ne'er subdued, attacks and stays the enemy,
Thus, Vanquisher of thousands! flow.
HYMN LVI. Soma Pavamana.
1. SWIFT to the purifying sieve flows Soma as exalted Law, Slaying the fiends, loving the Gods.
2 When Soma pours the strengthening food a hundred ever-active streams
To Indra's friendship win theirway.
3 Ten Dames have sung to welcome thee, even as a maiden greets her love:
O Soma, thou art decked to win.
4 Flow hitherward, O Indu, sweet to Indra and to Visnu: guard
The men, the singers, from distress.
HYMN LVII. Soma Pavamana.
1. THY streams that never fail or waste flow forth like showers of rain from heaven,
To bring a thousand stores of strength.
2 He flows beholding on his way all wellbeloved sacred lore,
Green-tinted, brandishing his, arms.
3 He, when the people deck him like a docile king of elephants.
Sits as a falcon in the, wood.
4 So bring thou hitherward to us, Indu, while thou art purified,
All treasures both of heaven and earth.
HYMN LVIII. Soma Pavamana.
1. SWIFT runs this giver of delight, even the stream of flowing juice: Swift runs this giver of delight.
2 The Morning knows all precious things, the Goddess knows her grace to man:
Swift runs this giver of delight.
3 We have accepted thousands from Dhvasra's and Purusanti's hands:
Swift runs this giver of delight.
4 From whom we have accepted thus thousands and three times ten beside:
Swift runs this giver of delight.
HYMN LIX. Soma Pavamana.
1. FLOW onward, Soma, winning kine, and steeds, and all that gives delight:
Bring hither wealth with progeny.
2 Flow onward from the waters, flow, inviolable, from the plants:
Flow onward from the pressing-boards.
3 Soma, as Pavamana, pass over all trouble and distress:
Sit on the sacred grass, a Sage.
Rig Veda – English Translation
4 Thou, Pavamana, foundest light; thou at thy birth becamest great:
O Indu, thou art over all.
HYMN LX. Soma Pavamana.
1. SING forth and laud with sacred song most active Pavamana, laud Indu who sees with thousand eyes.
2 Thee who hast thousand eyes to see, bearer of thousand burthens, they
Have filtered through the fleecy cloth.
3 He, Pavamana, hath streamed through the fleece then: he runs into the jars,
Finding his way to Indra's heart.
4 That Indra may be bounteous, flow, most active Soma, for our weal:
Bring genial seed with progeny.
HYMN LXI. Soma Pavamana.
1. FLOW onward, Indu, with this food for him who in thy wild delight Battered the nine-and-ninety dow
n,
2 Smote swiftly forts, and gambara, then Yadu and that Turvaga,
For pious Divodasa's sake.
3 Finder of horses, pour on us horses and
wealth in kine and gold,
And, Indu, food in boundless store.
4 We seek to win thy friendly love, even Pavamana's flowing o'er
The limit of the cleansing sieve.
5 With those same waves which in their stream oyerflow the purifying sieve,
Soma; be gracious unto us.
6 O Soma, being purified, bring us from all sides,-for thou canst,-
Riches and food with hero sons.
7 Him here, the Child whom streams have borne, the ten swift fingers beautify
With the Adityas is he seen.
8 With Indra and with Vayu he, effused, flows onward with,the beams
Of Surya to the cleansing sieve.
9 Flow rich in sweets and lovely for our Bhaga, Vayu, Pusan flow
For Mitra and for Varuna.
10 High is thy juice's birth: though set in heaven, on earth it hath obtained
Strong sheltering power and great renown.
11 Striving to win, with him we gain all wealth from the ungodly man,
Yea, all the glories of mankind.
12 Finder of room and freedom, flow for Indra whom we must adore,
For Varuna and the Marut host.
13 The Gods have come to Indu well-descended, beautified with milk,
The active crusher of the foe.
14 Even as mother cows their calf, so let our praise-songs strengthen him,
Yea, him who winneth Indra's heart.
15 Soma, pour blessings on our kine, pour forth the food that streams with milk
Increase the sea that merits laud.
16 From heaven hath Pavamana made, as 'twere, the marvellous thunder, and
Rig Veda – English Translation
The lofty light of all mankind.
17 The gladdening and auspicious juice of thee, of Pavamana, King!
Flows o'er the woollen straining-cloth.
18 Thy juice, O Pavamana, sends its rays abroad like splendid skill,
Like lustre, all heaven's light, to see.
19 Flow onward with that juice of thine most excellent, that brings delight,
Slaying the wicked, dear to Gods.
20 Killing the foeman and his hate, and winning booty every day,
Gainer art thou of steeds and kine.
21 Red-hued, be blended with the milk that seems to yield its lovely breast,
Falcon-like resting in thine home.
22 Flow onward thou who strengthenedst Indra to slaughter Vrtra who
Compassed and stayed the mighty floods.
23 Soma who rainest gifts, may we win riches with our hero sons:
Strengthen, as thou art cleansed, our hymns.
24 Aided by thee, and through thy grace, may we be slayers when we war:
Watch, Soma, at our solemn rites.
25 Chasing our foemen, driving off the godless, Soma flowcth on,
Going to Indra's special place.
26 O Pavamana, hither bring great riches, and destroy our foes:
O Indu, grant heroic fame.
27 A hundred obstacles have ne'er checked
thee when fain to give thy boons,
When, being cleansed, thou combatest.
28 Indu, flow on, a mighty juice; glorify us among the folk:
Drive all our enemies away.
29 Indu, in this thy friendship most lofty and glorious may we
Subdue all those who war with us.
30 Those awful weapons that thou hast, sharpened at point to strike men down-
Guard us therewith from every foe.
HYMN LXII. Soma Pavamana.
1. THESE rapid Soma-drops have been poured through the purifying sieve To bring us all felicities.
2 Dispelling manifold mishap, giving the courser's progeny,
Yea, and the warrior steed, success.
3 Bringing prosperity to kine, they make perpetual Ila flow
To us for noble eulogy.
4 Strong, mountain-born, the stalk hath been
pressed in the streams for rapturous joy:
Hawk-like he settles in his home.
5 Fair is the God-loved juice; the plant is washed in waters, pressed by men
The milch-kine sweeten it with milk.
6 As drivers deck a courser, so have they adorned the meath's juice for
Ambrosia, for the festival.
7 Thou, Indu, with thy streams that drop sweet juices, which were poured for
Rig Veda – English Translation
help,
Hast settled in the cleansing sieve.
8 So flow thou onward through the fleece, for Indra flow, to be his drink,
Finding thine home in vats of wood.
9 As giving room and freedom, as most sweet, pour butter forth and milk,
O Indu, for the Angirases.
10 Most active and benevolent, this Pavamana, sent to us
For lofty friendship, meditates.
11 Queller of curses, mighty, with strong sway, this Pavamana shall
Bring treasures to the worshipper.
12 Pour thou upon us thousandfold possessions, both of kine and steeds,
Exceeding glorious, much-desired.
13 Wandering far, with wise designs, the juice here present is effused,
Made beautiful by living men.
14 For Indra flows the gladdening drink, the measurer of the region, Sage,
With countless wealth and endless help.
15 Born on the inountain, lauded here, Indu for Indra is set down,
As in her sheltering nest a bird.
16 Pressed by the men, as 'twere to war hath Soma Pavamana sped,
To test with might within the vats.
17 That he may move, they yoke him to the three-backed triple-seated car
By the Seven Rsis' holy songs.
18 Drive ye that Tawny Courser, O ye pressers, on his way to war,
Swift Steed who carries off the spoil.
19 Pouring all glories hither, he, effused and entering the jar,
Stands like a hero mid the kine.
20 Indu, the living men milk out the juice to make the rapturous draught:
Gods for the Gods milk out the meath.
21 Pour for the Gods into the sieve our Soma very rich in sweets,
Him whom the Gods most gladly hear.
22 Into his stream who gladdens best these Soma juices have been poured,
Lauded with songs for lofty fame.
23 Thou flowest to enjoy the milk, and bringest valour, being cleansed:
Winning the spoil flow hitherward.
24 And, hymned by Jamadagnis, let all nourishment that kine supply,
And general praises, flow to us.
25 Soma, as leader of the song flow onward with thy wondrous aids,
For holy lore of every kind.
26 Do thou as leader of the song, stirring the waters of the sea,
Flow onward, thou who movest all.
27 O Soma, O thou Sage, these worlds stand ready to attest thy might:
For thy behoof the rivers flow.
28 Like showers of rain that fall from heaven thy streams perpetually flow
To the bright fleece spread under them.
29 For potent Indra purify Indu effectual and strong,
Enjoyment-giver, Mighty Lord.
30 Soma, true, Pavamana, Sage, is seated in the cleansing sieve,
Rig Veda – English Translation
Giving his praiser hero strength.
HYMN LXIII. Soma Pavanana.
1. POUR hitherward, O Soma, wealth in thousands and heroic strength, And keep renown secure for us.
2 Thou makest food and vigour swell for Indra, best of gladdeners!
Within the cups thou seatest thee.
3 For Indra and for Visnu poured, Soma hath flowed into the jar:
May Vayu find it rich in sweets.
4 These Somas swift and brown of hue, in stream of solemn sacrifice
Have flowed through twisted obstacles,
5 Performing every noble work, active, augmenting Indra's strength,
Driving away the godless ones.
6 Brown Soma-drops, effused that seek Indra, to their appropriate place
Flow through the region hitherward.
7 Flow onward with that stream of thine wherewith thou gavest Surya light,
Urging on waters good to men.
8 He, Pavamana, high o'er man yoked the Sun's courser Etasa
To travel through the realm of air.
9 And those ten Coursers, tawny-hued, he harnessed that the Sun might come
Indu, he said, is Indra's self.
10 Hence, singers, pour the gladdeningjuice to Vayu and to Indra, pour
The drops upon the fleecy cloth.
11 O Soma Pavamana, find wealth for us not to be assailed,
Wealth which the foeman may not win.
12 Send riches hither with thy stream in thousands, both of steeds and kine,
Send spoil of war and high renown.
13 Soma the God, expressed with stones, like Surya, floweth on his way,
Pouring the juice within the jar.
14 These brilliant drops have poured for us, in stream of solemn sacrifice,
Worshipful laws and strength in kine.
15 Over the cleansing sieve have flowed the Somas, blent with curdled milk,
Effused for Indra Thunder-armed.
16 Soma, do thou most rich in sweets, a gladdening drink most dear to Gods,
Flow to the sieve to bring us wealth.
17 For Indra, living men adorn the Tawny Courser in the streams, Indu, the giver of delight.
18 Pour for us, Soma, wealth in gold, in horses and heroic sons,
Bring hither strength in herds of kine.
19 For Indra pour ye on the fleece him very sweet to taste, who longs.
For battle as it were in war.
20 The singers, seeking help, adorn the Sage who must be decked with songs:
Loud bellowing the Steer comes on,
21 The singers with their thoughts and hymns have, in the stream of sacrifice,
Caused Soma, active Steer, to roar.
22 God, working with mankind, flow on; to Indra go thy gladdening juice:
To Vayu mount as Law commands
Rig Veda – English Translation
23 O Soma, Pavamana, thou pourest out wealth that brings renown:
Enter the lake, as one we love.
24 Soma thou flowest chasing foes and bringing wisdom and delight:
Drive off the folk who love not Gods.
25 The Pavamanas have been poured, the brilliant drops of Soma juice,
For holy lore of every kind.
26 The Pavamanas have been shed, the beautiful swift Soma-drops,
Driving all enemies afar.
27 From, heaven, from out the firmament, hath Pavamana been effused
Upon the summit of the earth.
28 O Soma, Indu, very wise, drive, being purified, with thy stream
All foes, all Raksasas away.
29 Driving the Raksasas afar, O Soma, bellowing, pour for us
Most excellent and splendid strength.
30 Soma, do thou secure for us the treasures of the earih and heaven,
Indu, all boons to be desired.
HYMN LXIV. Soma Pavamana.
1. Soma, thou art a splendid Steer, a Steer, O God, with steerlike sway:
Thou as a Steer ordainest laws.
2 Steer-strong thy might is as a steer's, steerstrong thywood, steer-like thy drink
A Steer indeed, O Steer, art thou.
3 Thou, Indu, as a vigorous horse, hast neighed together steeds and kine:
Unbar for us the doors to wealth.
4 Out of desire of cows and steeds and horses. potent Soma-drops,
Brilliant and swift, have been effused.
5 They purified in both the hands, made beautiful by holy men,
Flow onward to the fleecy cloth.
6 These Soma juices shall pour forth all treasures for the worshipper
From heaven and earth and firmament.
7 The streams of Pavamana, thine, Finder of all, have been effused,
Even as Surya's rays of light.
8 Making the light that shines from heaven thou flowest on to every form
Soma, thou swellest like a sea.
9 Urged on thou sendest out thy voice, O Pavamana; thou hast moved,
Like the God Surya, to the sieve.
10 Indu, Enlightener, Friend, hath been purified by the sages' hymns:
So starts the charioteer his steed-
11 Thy God-delighting wave which hath flowed to purifying seive,
Alighting in the home of Law.
12 Flow to our sieve, a gladdening draught that hath most intercourse with Gods,
Indu, to Indra for his drink.
13 Flow onward with a stream for food, made beautiful by sapient men:
Indu with sheen approach the milk.
14 While thou art cleansed, Song-Lover, bring comfort and vigour to the folk,
Rig Veda – English Translation
Poured, Tawny One! on milk and curds.
15 Purified for the feast of Gods, go thou to Indra's special place,
Resplendent, guided by the strong.
16 Accelerated by the hymn, the rapid drops of Soma juice
Have flowed, urged onward, to the lake.
17 Easily have the living drops, made beautiful, approached the lake,
Yea, to the place of sacrifice.
18 Compass about, our faithful Friend, all our possessions with thy might:
Guard, hero like, our sheltering home.
19 Loud neighs the Courser Etasa, with singers, harnessed for the place,
Guided for travel to the lake.
20 What time the Swift One resteth in the golden place of sacrifice,
He leaves the foolish far away.
21 The friends have sung in unison, the prudent wish to sacrifice:
Down sink the unintelligent.
22 For Indra girt by Maruts, flow, thou Indu, very rich in sweets,
To sit in place of sacrifice.
23 Controlling priests and sages skilled in holy song adorn thee well:
The living make thee beautiful.
24 Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna drink Pavamana's juice, yea, thine:
O Sage, the Maruts drink thereof.
25 O Soma, Indu, thou while thou art purified urgest onward speech.
Thousandfold, with the lore of hymns.
26 Yea, Soma, Indu, while thou art purified do thou bring to us
Speech thousandfold that longs for war.
27 O Indu, Much-invoked, while thou art purifying, as the Friend.
Of these men enter thou the lake.
28 Bright are these Somas blent with milk, with light that flashes brilliantly. And form that utters loud
acclaim.
29 Led by his drivers, and sent forth, the Strong Steed hath come nigh for spoil,
Like warriors when they stand arrayed.
30 Specially, Soma, coming as a Sage from heaven to prosper us,
Flow like the Sun for us to see.
HYMN LXV. Soma Pavamana.
1. THE, glittering maids send Sura forth, the glorious sisters, close-allied,
Send Indu forth, their mighty Lord.
2 Pervade, O Pavamana, all our treasures with repeated light,
God, coming hither from the Gods.
3 Pour on us, Pavamana, rain, as service and rain praise for Gods:
Pour all to be our nourishment.
4 Thou art a Steer by lustre: we, O Pavamana, faithfully
Call upon thee the Splendid One.
5 Do thou, rejoicing, nobly-armed! pour upon us heroic strength:
O Indu, come thou bitherward.
Rig Veda – English Translation
6 When thou art cleansed with both the hands and dipped in waters, with the wood.
Thou comest to the gathering-place.
7 Sing forth your songs, as Vyasva sang, to Soma Pavamana, to,
The Mighty One with thousand eyes;
8 Whose coloured sap they drive with stones, the yellow meath-distilling juice,
Indu for Indra, for his drink.
9 We seek to gain the friendly love of thee that Strong and Mighty One,
Of thee the winner of all wealth.
10 Flow onward with thy stream, a Steer, inspiriting the Maruts' Lord,
Winning all riches by thy might.
11 I send thee forth to battle from the press, O Pavamana, Strong,
Sustainer, looker on the light.
12 Acknowledged by this song of mine, flow, tawny-coloured, with thy stream
Incite to battle thine ally.
13 O Indu, visible to all pour out for us abundant food:
Soma, be thou our prosperer.
14 The pitchers, Indu, with thy streams have sung aloud in vigorous might
Enter them, and let Indra drink.
15 O thou whose potent gladdening juice they milk out with the stones, flow on,
Destroyer of our enemies.
16 King Pavamana is implored with holy songs, on man's behalf,
To travel through the firmament.
17 Bring us, O Indu, hundredfold increase of kine, and noble steeds,
The gift of fortune for our help.
18 Pressed for the banquet of the Gods, O Soma, bring us might, and speed,
Like beauty for a brilliant show.
19 Soma, flow on exceeding bright with loud roar to the wooden vats,
Falcon-like resting in thine home.
20 Soma, the Water-winner flows to Indra, Vayu, V aruna,
To Visnu and the Marut host.
21 Soma , bestowing food upon our progeny, from every sides,
Pour on us riches thousandfold
22 The Soma juices which have been expressed afar or near at hand,
Or there on Saryanavan's bank,
23 Those pressed among Arjikas, pressed among the active, in men's homes,
Or pressed among the Races Five-
24 May these celestial drops, expressed, pour forth upon us, as they flow,
Rain from the heavens apd hero strength.
25 Urged forward o'er the ox-hide flows the Lovely One of tawny hue,
Lauded by Jamadagni's song.
26 Like horses urged to speed, the drops, bright, stirring vital power, when blent
With milk, are beautified in streams.
27 So they who toil with juices send thee forward for the Gods' repast:
So with this splendour flow thou on.
28 We choose to-day that chariot-steed of thine, the Strong, that brings us bliss,
The Guardian, the desire of all,
29 The Excellent, the Gladdener, the Sage with heart that understands,
Rig Veda – English Translation
The Guardian, the desire of all;
30 Who for ourselves, O thou Most Wise, is wealth and fair intelligence,
The Guardian, the desire of all.
HYMN LXVI. Soma Pavamana.
1. FOR holy lore of every sort, flow onward thou whom all men love. A Friend to be besought by friends.
2 O'er all thou rulest with these Two which, Soma Pavamana, stand,
Turned, as thy stations, hitherward.
3 Wise Soma Pavamana, thou encompassest on every side
Thy stations as the seasons come.
4 Flow onward, generating food, for precious boons of every kind,
A Friend for friends, to be our help.
5 Upon the lofty ridge of heaven thy bright rays with their essences,
Soma, spread purifying power.
6 O Soma, these Seven Rivers flow, as being thine, to give command:
The Streams of milk run forth to thee.
7 Flow onward, Soma in a stream, effused to gladden Indra's heart,
Bringing imperishable fame.
8 Driving thee in Vivasvan's course, the Seven Sisters with their hymns
Made melody round thee the Sage.
9 The virgins deck thee o'er fresh streams to drive thee to the sieve when thou,
A singer, bathest in the wood.
10 The streams of Pavamana, thine, Sage, Mighty One, have pouredthem forth.
Like coursers eager for renown.
11 They have been poured upon the fleece towards the meath-distilling vat:
The holy songs have sounded forth.
12 Like milch-kine coming home, the drops of Soma juice have reached the lake,
Have reached the place of sacrifice.
13 O Indu, to our great delight the running waters flow to us,
When thou wilt robe thyself in milk.
14 In this thy friendship, and with thee to help us, fain to sacrifice,
Indu, we crave thy friendly love.
15 Flow on, O Soma, for the great Viewer of men, for gain of Idne
Enter thou into Indra's throat.
16 Best art thou, Soma, of the great, Strongest of strong ones, Indu: thou
As Warrior ever hast prevailed.
17 Mightier even than the strong, more valiant even than the brave,
More libpral than the bountiful,
18 Soma, as Sura, bring us food, win offspring of our bodies: we
Elect thee for our friendship, we elect thee for companionship.
19 Agni, thou pourest life; send down upon us food and vigorous strength;
Drive thou misfortune far away,
20 Agni is Pavamana, Sage, Chief Priest of all the Races Five:
To him whose wealth is great we pray.
Rig Veda – English Translation
21 Skilled in thy task, O Agni, pour splendour with hero strength on us,
Granting me wealth that nourishes.
22 Beyond his enemies away to sweet praise Pavamana flows,
Like Surya visible to all.
23 Adorned by living men, set forth for entertainment, rich in food,
Far-sighted Indu is a Steed.
24 He, Pavamana, hath produced the lofty Law, the brilliant light,
Destroying darkness black of hue.
25 From tawny Pavamana, the Destroyer, radiant streams have sprung,
Quick streams from him whose gleams are swift.
26 Best rider of the chariot, praised with fairest praise mid beauteous ones,
Gold-gleaming with the Marut host,
27 May Pavamana, best to win the booty, penetrate with rays,
Giving the singer hero strength.
28 Over the fleecy sieve hath flowed the drop effused: to Indra comes
Indu while he is purified
29 This Soma, through the pressing-stones, is sporting on the oxhide, and
Summoning Indra to the draught.
30 O Pavamana, bless us, so that we may live, with that bright milk
Of thine which hath been brought from heaven.
HYMN LXVII. Soma and Others.
1. THOU, Soma, hast a running stream, joyous, most strong at sacrifice: Flow bounteously bestowing we
alth.
2 Effused as cheerer of the men, flowing best gladdener, thou art
A Prince to Indra with thy juice.
3 Poured forth by pressing-stones, do thou with loud roar send us in a stream
Most excellent illustrious might.
4 Indu, urged forward, floweth through the fleecy cloth: the Tawny One
With his loud roar hath brought as strength.
5 Indu, thou flowest through the fleece, bringing felicities and fame,
And, Soma, spoil and wealth in kine.
6 Hither, O Indu, bring us wealth in steeds and cattle hundredfold:
Bring wealth, O Soma, thousandfold.
7 In purifying, through the sieve the rapid drops of'Soma juice
Come nigh to Indra in their course.
8 For Indra floweth excellent Indu, the noblest Soma juice
The Living for the Living One.
9 The glittering maids send Sura forth they with their song have sung aloud
To Pavamana dropping meath.
10 May Pusan, drawn by goats, be our protector, and on all his paths
Bestow on us our share of maids.
11 This Soma flows like gladdening oil for him who wears the braided locks:
He shall give us our share of maids.
12 This Soma juice, O glowing God, flows like pure oil, effused for thee:
Rig Veda – English Translation
He shall give us our share of maids.
13 Flow onward, Soma, in thy stream, begetter of the sages' speech:
Wealth-giver among Gods art thou.
14 The Falcon dips within the jars: he wrap.him in his robe and goes
Loud roaring to the vats of wood.
15 Soma, thy juice hath been effused and poured into the pitcher: like
A rapid hawk it rushes on.
16 For Indra flow most rich in sweets, O Soma, bringing him delight.
17 They were sent forth to feast the Gods, like chariots that display their strength.
18 Brilliant, best givers of delight, these juices have sent Vayu forth.
19 Bruised by the press-stones and extolled, Soma, thou goest to the sieve,
Giving the worshipper hero strength.
20 This juice bruised by the pressing-stones and lauded passes through the sieve,
Slayer of demons, through the fleece.
21 O Pavamana, drive away the danger, whether near at hand
Or far remote, that finds me here.
22 This day may Pavamana cleanse us with his purifying power,
Most active purifying Priest.
23 O Agni, with the cleansing light diffused through all thy fiery glow,
Purify thou this prayer of ours.
24 Cleanse us with thine own cleansing power, O Agni, that is bright with flame,
And by libations poured to thee.
25 Savitar, God, by both of these, libation, purifying power,
Purify me on every side.
26 Cleanse us, God Savitar, with Three, O Soma, with sublimest forms,
Agni, with forms of power and might.
27 May the Gods' company make me clean, and Vasus make rue pure by song.
Purify me, ye General Gods; O Jatavedas, make me pure.
28 Fill thyself full of juice, flow forth, O Soma, thou with all thy stalks,
The best oblation to the Gods.
29 We with our homage have approached the Friend who seeks our wondering praise,
Young, strengthener of the solemn rite.
30 Lost is Alayya's axe. O Soma, God do thou send it back hither in thy flow
Even, Soma, God, if 'twere a mole.
31 The man who reads the essence stored by saints, the Pavamani hymns,
Tastes food completely purified, made sweet by Matarisvan's touch.
32 Whoever reads the essence stored by saints, the Pavamani hymns,
Sarasvati draws forth for him water and butter, milk and meath.
HYMN LXVIII. Soma Pavamana.
1. THE drops of Soma juice like cows who yield their milk have flowed forth, rich in meath, unto the Shi
ning
One,
And, seated on the grass, raising their voice, assumed the milk, the covering robe wherewith the udders
stream.
2 He bellows with a roar arourd the highest twigs: the Tawny One is sweetened as he breaks them up.
Rig Veda – English Translation
Then passing through the sieve into the ample room, the God throws off the dregs according to his wish.
3 The gladdening drink that measured out the meeting Twins fills full with milk the Eternal Ever-waxing
Pair.
Bringing to light the Two great Regions limitless, moving above them he gained sheen that never fades.
4 Wandering through, the Parents, strengthening the floods, the Sage makes his place swell with his own
native might.
The stalk is mixed with grain: he comes led by the men together with the sisters, and preserves the Head.
5 With energetic intellect the Sage is born, deposited as germ of Law, far from the Twins.
They being young at first showed visibly distinct the Creature that is half-concealed and half-exposed.
6 The sages knew the form of him the Gladdener, what time the Falcon brought the plant from far away.
Him who assures success they beautified in streams, the stalk who yearned therefor, mighty and meet for
praise.
7 Together with the Rsis, with their prayers and hymns ten women deck thee, Soma, friendly when effuse
d.
Led by the men, with invocations of the Gods, through the fleece, thou hast given us strength to win the s
poil.
8 Songs resonant with praise have celebrated him. Soma, Friend, springing forth with his fair company.
Even him who rich in meath, with undulating stream, Winnner of Wealth, Immortal, sends his voice from
heaven,
9 He sends it into all the region forth from heaven. Soma, while he is filtcred, settles in the jars.
With milk and waters is he decked when pressed with stones: Indu, when purified, shall find sweet rest an
d
room.
10 Even thus poured forth How on thy way, O Soma, vouchsafing us most manifold lively vigour.
We will invoke benevolent Earth and Heaven. Give us, ye Gods, riches with noble heroes.
HYMN LXIX. Soma Pavamana.
1. LAID like an arrow on the bow the hymn hath been loosed like a young calf to the udder of its dam.
As one who cometh first with full stream she is milked the Soma is impelled to this man's holy rites.
2 The thought is deeply fixed; the savoury juice is shed; the tongue with joyous sound is stirring in the
mouth;
And Pavamana, like the shout of combatants, the drop rising in sweet juice, is flowing through the fleece.
3 He flows about the sheep-skin, longing for a bride: he looses Aditi's Daughters for the worshipper.
The sacred drink hath come, gold-tinted, well-restrained: like a strong Bull he shines, whetting his manly
might.
4 The Bull is bellowing; the Cows are coming nigh: the Goddesses approach the God's own resting-place.
Onward hath Soma passed through the sheep's fair bright fleece, and hath, as 'twere, endued a garment ne
wly
washed.
5 The golden-hued, Immortal, newly bathed, puts on a brightly shining vesture that is never harmed.
He made the ridge of heaven to be his radiant robe, by sprinkling of the bowls from moisture of the sky.
6 Even as the beams of Surya, urging men to speed, that cheer and send to sleep, together rush they forth,
These swift outpourings in long course of holy rites: no form save only Indra shows itself so pure.
7 As down the steep slope of a river to the vale, drawn from the Steer the swift strong draughts have foun
d a
Rig Veda – English Translation
way.
Well be it with the men and cattle in our home. May powers, O Soma, may the people stay with us.
8 Pour out upon us wealth in goods, in gold, in steeds, in cattle and in corn, and great heroic strength.
Ye, Soma, are my Fathers, lifted up on high as heads of heaven and makers of the strength of life.
9 These Pavamanas here, these drops of Soma, to Indra have sped forth like cars to booty.
Effused, they pass the cleansing fleece, while, gold-hued, they cast their covering off to pour the rain do
wn.
10 O Indu, flow thou on for lofty Indra, flow blameless, very gracious, foe-destroyer.
Bring splendid treasures to the man who lauds thee. O Heaven and Earth, with all the Gods protect. us.
HYMN LXX. Soma Pavamana.
1. THE three times seven Milch-kine in the eastern heaven have for this Soma poured the genuine milky
draught.
Four other beauteous Creatures hath he made for his adornment, when he waxed in strength through holy
rites.
2 Longing for lovely Amrta, by his wisdom he divided, each apart from other, earth and heaven.
He gladly wrapped himself in the most lucid floods, when through their glory they found the God's
resting-place.
3 May those his brilliant rays he ever free from death, inviolate, for both classes of created things,-
Rays wherewith powers of men and Gods are purified. Yea, even for this have sageswelcomed him as Kin
g.
4 He, while he is adorned by the ten skilful ones, that he too in the Midmost Mothers may create,
While he is watching o'er the lovely Amrta's ways, looks on both races as Beholder of mankind.
5 He, while he is adorned to stream forth mighty strength, rejoices in his place between the earth and heav
en.
The Steer dispels the evil-hearted with his might, aiming at offerings as an archer at the game.
6 Beholding, as it were, Two Mother Cows, the Steer goes roaring on his way even as the Maruts roar.
Knowing Eternal Law, the earliest light of heaven, he, passing wise, was chosen out to tell it forth.
7 The fearful Bull is bellowing with violent might, far-sighted, sharpening his yellowcoloured horns.
Soma assumes his seat in the well-fashioned place: the cowhide and the sheepskin are his ornament.
8 Bright, making pure his body free from spot and stain, on the sheep's back the Golden-coloured hath
flowed down.
Acceptable to Mitra, Vayu, Varuna, he is prepared as threefold meal by skilful men.
9 Flow on for the God's banquet, Soma, as a Steer, and enter Indra's heart, the Soma's reservoir.
Bear us beyond misfortune ere we be oppres. sed. the man who knows the land directs the man who asks.
10 Urged like a car-steed flow to strength, O Soma: Indu, flow onward to the throat of Indra.
Skilled, bear us past, as in a boat o'er water: as battling Hero save us from the foeman.
HYMN LXXI. Soma Pavamana,
1. THE guerdon is bestowed: the Mighty takes his Seat, and, ever-Watchful, guards from fiend and evil
sprite.
Gold-hued, he makes the cloud his diadem, the milk his carpet in both worlds, and prayer his robe of stat
e.
2 Strong, bellowing, he goes, like one who slays the folk; he lets this hue of Asuras flow off from him,
Rig Veda – English Translation
Throws off his covering, seeks his father's meeting-place, and thus makes for himself the bright robe he
assumes.
3 Onward he flows, from both the hands, pressed out with stones: excited by the prayer, the water makes
him
wild.
He frolics and draws near, completes his work with song, and bathes in streams to satisfy the worshipper.
4 They pour out meath around the Master of the house, Celestial Strengthener of the mountain that gives
might;
In whom, through his great powers, oblation-eating cows in their uplifted udder mix their choicest milk.
5 They, the ten sisters, on the lap of Aditi, have sent him forward like a car from both the arms.
He wanders and comes near the Cow's mysterious place, even the place which his inventions have produc
ed.
6 Like as a falcon to his home, so speeds the God to his own golden wisely-tashioned place to rest.
With song they urge the darling to the sacred grass: the Holy One goes like a courser to the Gods.
7 From far away, from heaven, the redhued noted Sage, Steer of the triple height, hath sung unto the kine.
With thousand guidings he, leading this way and that, shines, as a singer, splendidly through many a morn
.
8 His covering assumes a radiant hue; where'er he comes into the fight he drives the foe afar.
The Winner of the Floods, with food he seeks the host of heaven, he comes to praises glorified with milk.
9 Like a bull roaming round the herds he bellows: he hath assumed the brilliancy of Surya.
Down to the earth hath looked the heavenly Falcon: Soma with wisdom views all living creatures.
HYMN LXXII. Soma Pavamana.
1. THEY cleanse the Gold-hued: like a red Steed is he yoked, and Soma in the jar is mingled with the mil
k.
He sendeth out his voice, and many loving friends of him the highly lauded hasten with their songs.
2 The many sages utter words in unison, while into Indra's throat they pour the Soma juice,
When, with the ten that dwell together closely joined, the men whose hands are skilful cleanse the lovely
meath.
3 He goes upon his way, unresting, to the cows, over the roaring sound which Sarya's Daughter loves.
The Falcon brought it to him for his own delight: now with the twofold kindred sisters is his home.
4 Washed by the men, stone-pressed, dear on the holy grass, faithful to seasons, Lord of cattle from of ol
d,
Most liberal, completing sacrifice for men, O Indra, pure bright Soma, Indu, flows for thee.
5 O Indra, urged by arms of men and poured in streams, Soma flows on for thee after.his Godlike kind.
Plans thou fulfillest, gatherest thoughts for sacrifice: in the bowls sits the Gold-hued like a roosting bird.
6 Sages well-skilled in work, intelligent, drain out the stalk that roars, the Sage, the Everlasting One.
The milk, the hymns unite them with him in the place of sacrifice, his seat who is produced anew.
7 Earth's central point, sustainer of the mighty heavens, distilled into the streams, into the waters' wave,
As Indra's thunderbolt, Steer with farspreading wealth, Soma is flowing on to make the heart rejoice.
8 Over the earthly region flow thou on thy way, helping the praiser and the pourer, thou Most Wise.
Let us not lack rich treasure reaching to our home, and may we clothe ourselves in manifold bright wealth
.
9 Hither, O Indu, unto us a hundred gifts of steeds, a thousand gifts of cattle and of gold,
Rig Veda – English Translation
Measure thou forth, yea, splendid ample strengthening food do thou, O Pavamana, heed this laud of ours.
HYMN LXXIII. Soma Pavamana.
1. THEY from the spouting drop have sounded at the rim: naves speed together to the place of sacrifice.
That Asura hath formed, to seize, three lofty heights. The ships of truth have borne the pious man across.
2 The strong Steers, gathering, have duly stirred themselves,and over the stream's wave the friends sent fo
rth
the song.
Engendering the hymn, with flowing streams of meath, Indra's dear body have they caused to wax in stren
gth.
3 With sanctifying gear they sit around the song: their ancient Father guards their holy work from harm.
Varuna hath o'erspread the mighty sea of air. Sages had power to hold him in sustaining floods.
4 Sweet-tongued, exhaustless, they have sent their voices down togetlier, in heaven's vault that pours a
thousand streams.
His wildly-restless warders never close an eye: in every place are found the bonds that bind man last.
5 O'er Sire and Mother they have roared in unison bright with the verse of praise, burning up riteless men,
Blowing away with supernatural might from earth and from the heavens the swarthy skin which Indra hat
es.
6 Those which, as guides of song and counsellors of speed, were manifested from their ancient dwelling
place,-
From these the eyeless and the deaf have turned aside: the wicked travel not the pathway of the Law.
7 What time the filter with a thousand streams is stretched, the thoughtful sages purify their song therein.
Bright-coloured are their spies, vigorous, void of guile, excellent, fair to see, beholders of mankind.
8 Guardian of Law, most wise, he may not be deceived: three Purifiers hath he set within his heart.
With wisdom he beholds all creatures that exist: he drives into the pit the hated riteliess ones.
9 The thread of sacrifice spun in the cleansing sieve, on V aruna's tongue-tip, by supernatural might,-
This, by their striving, have the prudent ones attained: he who hath not this power shall sink into the pit.
HYMN LXXIV. Soma Pavamana
1. BORN like a youngling he hath clamoured in the wood, when he, the Red, the Strong, would win the li
ght
of heaven.
He comes with heavenly seed that makes the water swell: him for wide-spreading shelter we implore wit
h
prayer.
2 A far-extended pillar that supports the sky the Soma-stalk, filled full, moves itself every way.
He shall bring both these great worlds while the rite proceeds: the Sage holds these who move! together a
nd
all food.
3 Wide space hath he who follows Aditi's right path, and mighty, well-made food, meath blent with Som
a
juice;
He who from hence commands the rain, Steer of the kine, Leader of floods, who helps us hence, who clai
Rig Veda – English Translation
ms
our laud.
4 Butter and milk are drawn from animated cloud; thence Amrta is produced, centre of sacrifice.
Hini the Most Bounteous Ones, ever united, love; him as ouir Friend the Men who make all swell rain do
wn.
5 The Soma-stalk hath roared, following with the wave: he swells with sap for man the skin which Gods
enjoy.
Upon the lap of Aditi he lays the germ, by means whereof we gain children and progeny.
6 In the third region which distils a thousand streams, may the Exhaustless Ones descend with procreant
power.
The kindred Four have been sent downward from the heavens: dropping with oil they bring Amrta and sa
cred
gifts.
7 Soma assumes white colour when he strives to gain: the bounteous Asura knows full many a precious b
oon.
Down the steep slope, through song, he comes to sacrifice, and he will burst the water-holding cask of
heaven,
8 Yea, to the shining milk-anointed beaker, as to his goal, hath stepped the conquering Courser.
Pious-souled men have sent their giffi of cattle unto Kaksivan of the hundred winters.
9 Soma, thy juice when thou art blended with the streams, flows, Pavamana, through the long wool of the
sheep.
So, cleansed by sages. O best giver of delight, grow sweet for Indra, Pavamana! for his drink.
HYMN LXXV. Soma Pavamana.
1. GRACIOUSLY-MINDED he is flowing on his way to win dear names o'er which the Youthful One gr
ows
great.
The Mighty and Far-seeing One hath mounted now the mighty Surya's car which moves to every side.
2 The Speaker, unassailable Master of this hymn, the Tongue of sacrifice pours forth the pleasant meath.
Within the lustrous region of the heavens the Son makes the third secret name of Mother and of Sire.
3 Sending forth flashes he hath bellowed to the jars, led by the men into the golden reservoir.
The milky streams of sacrifice have sung to him: he of the triple height shines brightly through the morns.
4 Pressed by the stones, with hymns, and graciously inclined, illuminating both the Parents, Heaven and
Earth,
He flows in ordered season onward through the flee, a current of sweet juice still swelling day by day.
5 Flow onward, Soma, flow to bring prosperity: cleansed by the men, invest thee with the milky draught.
What gladdening drinks thou hast, foaming, exceeding strong, even with these incite Indra to give us weal
th.
HYMN LXXVI. Soma Pavamana.
1. ON flows the potent juice, sustainer of the heavens, the strength of Gods, whom men must hail with sh
outs
of joy.
Rig Veda – English Translation
The Gold-hued, started like a courser by brave men, impetuously winneth splendour in the streams.
2 He takes his weapons, like a hero, in his hands, fain to win light, car-borne, in forays for the kine.
Indu, while stimulating India's might, is urged forward and balmed by sages skilful in their task.
3 Soma, as thou art purified with flowing wave, exhibiting thy strength enter thou Indra's throat.
Make both worlds stream for us, as lightning doth the clouds: mete out exhaustless powers for us, as 'twer
e
through song.
4 Onward he flows, the King of all that sees the light: the Rsis' Lord hath raised the song of sacrifice;
Even he who is adorned with Surya's arrowy beam, Father of hymns, whose wisdom is beyond our reach.
5 Like as a bull to herds, thou flowest to the pail, bellowing as a steer upon the water's lap.
So, best of Cheerers, thou for Indra flowest on that we, with thy protection, may o'ercome in fight.
HYMN LXXVII. Soma Pavamana.
1. MORE beauteous than the beautiful, as Indra's bolt, this Soma, rich in sweets, hath clamoured in the va
t.
Dropping with oil, abundant, streams of sacrifice flow unto him like milch-kine, lowing, with their milk.
2 On flows that Ancient One whom, hitherward, from heaven, sped through the region of the air, the Falc
on
snatched.
He, quivering with alarm and terrified in heart before bow-armed Krsanu, holdeth fast the sweet.
3 May those first freshest drops of Soma juice effused flow on, their way to bring us mighty strength in ki
ne.
Beauteous as serpents, worthy to be looked upon, they whom each sacred gift and all our prayers have
pleased.
4 May that much-lauded Indu, with a heart inclined to us, well-knowing, fight against our enemies.
He who hath brought the germ beside the Strong One's seat moves onward to the widely-opcned stall of k
ine.
5 The active potent juice of heaven is flowing on, great Varuna whom the forward man can ne'er deceive.
Mitra, the Holy, hath been pressed for troubled times, neighing like an impatient horse amid the herd,
HYMN LXXVIII. Soma Pavamana.
1. RAISING his voice the King hath flowed upon his way: invested with the waters he would win the kin
e.
The fleece retains his solid parts as though impure, and bright and cleansed he seeks the special place of
Gods.
2 Thou, Soma, art effused for Indra by the men, balmed in the wood as wave, Sage, Viewer of mankind.
Full many are the paths whereon thou mayest go: a thousand bay steeds hast thou resting in the bowls.
3 Apsarases who dwell in waters of the sea, sitting within, have flowed to Soma wise of heart.
They urge the Master of the house upon his way, and to the Eternal Pavamana pray for bliss.
4 Soma flows on for u's as winner of the kine, winner of thousands, cars, water, and light, and gold;
He whom the Gods have made a gladdening draught to drink, the drop most sweet to taste, weal-bringing
,
red of hue.
5 Soma, as Pavamana thou, our faithful Friend, making for us these real treasures, flowest on.
Rig Veda – English Translation
Slay thou the enemy both near and,far away: grant us security and ample pasturage.
HYMN LXXIX. Soma Pavamana.
1. SPONTANEOUS let our drops of Soma juice flow on, pressed, golden-hued, among the Gods of lofty
heaven.
Perish among us they who give no gifts of food! perish the godless! May our prayers obtain success.
2 Forward to us the drops, distilling meath, shall flow, like riches for whose sake we urge the horses on.
Beyond the crafty hindering of all mortal men may we continually bear precious wealth away.
3 Yea, yerily, foe of hate shown to himself is he, yea, verity, destroyer too of other hate.
As thirst subdueth in the desert, conquer thou, O Soma Pavarnana, men of evil thoughts.
4 Near kin to thee is he, raised loftiest in the heavens: upon the earth's high ridge thy scions have grown f
orth.
The press-stones chew and crunch thee on the ox's hide: sages have milked thee with their hands into the
streams.
5 So do they hurry on thy strong and beauteous juice, O Indu, as the first ingredient of the draught.
Bring low, thou Pavamana, every single foe, and be thy might shown forth as sweet and gladdening drink.
HYMN LXXX. Soma Pavamana.
1. ON flows the stream of Soma who beholds mankind: by everlasting Law he calls the Gods from heave
n.
He lightens with the roaring of Br aspati: h the lakes have not contained the pourings of juice.
2 Thou, powerful Soma, thou to whom the cows have -lowed, ascendest bright with sheen, thine
iron-fashioned home.
Thou, lengthening our princes' life and high renown, flowest for Indra as his might to gladdening drink.
3 Best giver of delight, he flows to Indra's throat, robing himself in might, Auspicious One, for fame.
He spreads himself abroad to meet all things that be: the vigorous Tawny Steed flows sporting on his way
.
4 The men, the ten swift fingers, milk thee out for Gods, even thee most rich in meath, with thousand flo
wing
streams.
Soma who winnest thousands, driven by the men, expressed with stones, bring, as thou flowest, all the Go
ds.
5 Deft-handed men with stones, the ten swift fingers, drain thee into waters, thee, the Steer enriched with
sweets.
Thou, Soma, gladdening Indra, and the Heavenly Host, flowest as Pavamana like a river's wave.
HYMN LXXXI. Soma Pavamana.
1. ONWARD to Indra's throat move, beauteously adorned, the waves of Soma as he purifies himself,
When they, brought forward with the lovely curd of kine, effused, have cheered the Hero to bestow his gif
ts.
2 Hither hath Soma flowed unto the beakers, like a chariot-horse, a stallion swift upon his way.
Thus, knowing both the generations, he obtains the rights and dues of Gods from yonder and from hence.
Rig Veda – English Translation
3 While thou art cleansed, O Soma, scatter wealth on us; Indu, bestow great bounty as a liberal Prince.
Giver of life, with wisdom help to opulence; strew not our home possessions far away from us.
4 Hither let Pusan Pavamana come to us, Varuna, Mitra, bountiful, of one accord,
The Maruts, Asvins, Vayu, and Brhaspati, Savitar, Tvastar, tractable Sarasvati.
5 Both Heaven and Earth, the all-invigorating Pair, Vidhatar, Aditi, and Aryaman the God,
Bhaga who blesses men, the spacious Firmament,-let all the Gods in Pavamana take delig
ht.
HYMN LXXXII. Soma Pavamana.
1.
1. EVEN as a King hath Soma, red and tawny Bull, been pressed: the Wondrous One hath bellow
ed to the
kine.
While purified he passes through the filtering fleece to seat him hawk-like on the place that drops with oi
l.
2.
2. To glory goest thou, Sage with disposing skill, like a groomed steed thou rusbest forward to the
prize.
O Soma, be thou gracious, driving off distress: thou goest, clothed in butter, to a robe of state.
3 Parjanya is the Father of the Mighty Bird: on mountains, in earth's centre hath he made his home.
The waters too have flowed, the Sisters, to the kine: he meets the pressing-stones at the beloved rite.
4 Thou givest pleasure as a wife delights her lord. Listen, O Child of Pajri, for to thee I speak.
Amid the holy songs go on that we may live: in time of trouble, Soma, watch thou free from blame.
5 As to the men of old thou camest, Indu unharmed, to strengthen, winning hundreds, thousands,
So now for new felicity flow onward: the waters follow as thy law ordaineth.
HYMN LXXXIII. Soma Pavamana.
1. SPREAD is thy cleansing filter, Brahmanaspati: as Prince, thou enterest its limbs from every side.
The raw, whose mass hath not been heated gains not this: they only which are dressed, which bear, attain t
o
it.
2 High in the seat of heaven is spread the Scorcher's sieve: its threads are standing separate, glittering wit
h
light.
The Swift Ones favour him who purifieth this: with consciousness they stand upon the height of heaven.
3 The foremost spotted Steer hath made the Mornings shine, and yearning after strength sustains all things
that be.
By his high wisdom have the mighty Sages wrought: the Fathers who behold mankind laid down the germ
,
4 Gandharva verily protects his dwellingplace; Wondrous, he guards the generations of the Gods.
Lord of the snare, he takes the foeman with the snare: those who are most devout have gained a share of
meath.
5 Rich in oblations! robed in cloud, thou corapassest oblation, sacrifice, the mighty seat of Gods.
Rig Veda – English Translation
King, on thy chariot-sieve thou goest up to war, and with a thousand weapons winnest lofty fame.
HYMN LXXXIV. Soma Pavamana.
1. FLOW, cheering Gods, most active, winner of the flood, for Indra, and for Vayu, and for Varuna.
Bestow on us to-day wide room with happiness, and in tbine ample dwelling laud the Host of Heaven.
2 He who hath come anear to creatures that have life, Immortal Soma flows onward to all of them.
Effecting, for our aid, both union and release, Indu, like Surya, follows closely after Dawn.
3 He who is poured with milk, he who within the plants hastes bringing treasure for the happiness of God
s,
He, poured forth in a stream flows with the lightning's flash, Soma who gladdens Indra and the Host of
Heaven.
4 Winner of thousands, he, this Soma, flows along, raising a vigorous voice that wakens with the dawn.
Indu with winds drives on the ocean of the air, he sinks within the jars, he rests in Indra's heart.
5 The kine with milk dress him who makes the milk increase, Soma, amid the songs, who finds the light o
f
heaven.
Winner of wealth, the effectual juice is flowing on, Singer and Sage by wisdom, dear as heaven itself.
HYMN LXXXV. Soma Pavamana.
I. FLOW on to Indra, Soma, carefully effused: let sickness stay afar together with the fiends.
Let not the double-tongued delight them with thy juice. here be thy flowing drops laden with opulence.
2 O Pavamana, urge us forward in the fight thou art the vigour of the Gods, the well-loved drink.
Smite thou our enemies who raise the shout of joy: Indra, drink Soma juice, and drive away our foes.
3 Unharmed, best Cheerer, thou, O Indu, flowest on: thou, even thou thyself, art Indra's noblest food.
Full many a wise man lifts to thee the song of praise, and hails thee with a kiss as Sovran of this world.
4 Wondrous, with hundred streams, hymned in a thousand songs, Indu pours out for Indra his delightrul
meath.
Winning us land and waters, flow thou hitherward: Rainer of bounties, Soma, make broad way for us.
5 Roaring within the beaker thou art balmed with milk: thou passest through the fleecy filter all at once.
Carefully cleansed and decked like a prizewinning steed, O Soma, thou hast flowed down within Indra's
throat.
6 Flow onward sweet of flavour for the Heavenly Race, for Indra sweet, whose name is easily invoked:
Flow sweet for Mitra, Varuna, and Vayu, rich in meath, inviolable for Brhaspati.
7 Ten rapid fingers deck the Courser in the jar: with hymns the holy singers send their voices forth.
The filtering juices hasten to their eulogy, the drops that gladden find their way to Indra's heart.
8 While thou art purified pour on us hero strength, great, far-extended shelter, spacious pasturage.
Let no oppression master this our holy work: may we, O Indu, gain all opulence through thee.
9 The Steer who sees afar hath risen above the sky: the Sage hath caused the lights of heaven to give their
shine.
The. King is passing through the filter with a roar: they drain the milk of heaven from him who looks on
men.
10 High in the vault of heaven, unceasing, honey-tongued, the Loving Ones drain out the mountain-haun
Rig Veda – English Translation
ting
Steer,-
The drop that hath grown great in waters, in the lake meath-rich, in the stream's wave and in the cleansin
g
sieve.
11 The Loving Ones besought with many voices the Eagle who had flown away to heaven.
Hymns kiss the Youngling worthy of laudation, resting on earth, the Bird of golden colour.
12 High to heaven's vault hath the Gandharva risen, beholding all his varied forms and figures.
His ray hath shone abroad with gleaming splendour: pure, he hath lighted both the worlds, the Parents.
HYMN LXXXVI. Soma Pavamana.
1. THY gladdening draughts, O Pavamana, urged by song flow swiftly of themselves like sons of fleet-fo
ot
mares.
The drops of Soma juice, those eagles of the heavens, most cheering, rich in meath, rest in the reservoir.
2 As rapid chariot-steeds, so turned in several ways have thine exhilarating juices darted forth,
Soma-drops rich in meath, waves, to the Thunder-armed, to Indra, like milch-kine who seek their calf w
ith
milk.
3 Like a steed urged to battle, finder of the light; speed onward to the cloud-born reservoir of heaven,
A Steer that o'er the woolly surface seeks the sieve, Soma while purified for Indra's nourishment.
4 Fleet as swift steeds, thy drops, divine, thought-swift, have been, O Pavamana, poured with milk into th
e
vat.
The Rsis have poured in continuous Soma drops, ordainers who adorn thee, Friend whom Rsis love.
5 O thou who seest all things, Sovran as thou art and passing strong, thy rays encompass all abodes.
Pervading with thy natural powers thou flowest on, and as the whole world's Lord, O Soma, thou art King
.
6 The beams of Pavamana, sent from earth and heaven, his ensigns who is ever steadfast, travel round.
When on the sieve the Golden-hued is cleansed, he rests within the vats as one who seats him in his place
.
7 Served with fair rites he flows, ensign of sacrifice: Soma advances to the special place of Gods.
He speeds with thousand currents to the reservoir, and passes through the filter bellowing as a bull.
8 The Sovran dips him in the seain and the streams, and set in rivers with the waters' wave moves on.
High heaven's Sustainer at the central point of earth, raised on the fleecy surface Pavamana stands.
9 He on whose high decree the heavens and earth depend nath roared and thundered like the summit of th
e
sky.
Soma flows on obtaining Indra's friendly love, and, as they purify him, settles in the jars.
10 He, light of sacrifice distils delicious meath, most wealthy, Father and begetter of the Gods.
He, gladdening, best of Cheerers, juice!hat Indra loves, enriches with mysterious treasure earth and heave
n.
11 The vigorous and far-seeing one, the Lord of heaven, flows, shouting to the beaker, with his thousand
streams.
Coloured like gold he rests in seats where Mitra dwells, the Steer made beautiful by rivers and by sheep.
Rig Veda – English Translation
12 In forefront of the rivers Pavamana speeds, in forefront of the hymn, foremost among the kine.
He shares the mighty booty in the van of war: the well-armed Steer is purified by worshippers.
13 This heedful Pavamana, like a bird sent forth, hath with his wave flowed onward to the fleecy sieve.
O Indra, through thy wisdom, b thy thought, O Sage, Soma flows bright and pure between the earth and
heaven.
14 He, clad in mail that reaches heaven, the Holy One, filling the firmament stationed amid the worlds,
Knowing. the realm of light, hath come to us in rain: he summons to himself his own primeval Sire.
15 He who was first of all to penetrate his form bestowed upon his race wide shelter and defence.
From that high station which he hath in loftiest heaven he comes victorious to all encounters here.
16 Indu hath started for Indra's special place and slights not as a Friend the promise of his Friend.
Soma speeds onward like a youth to youtlitial maids, and gains the beaker by a course of bundred paths.
17 Your songs, exhilarating, tuneful, uttering praise, are come into the placns where the people meet.
Worshippers have exalted Soma with their hymns, and milch kine have come near to meet him with their
milk.
18 O Soma, Indu, while they cleanse thee, pour on us accumulateds Plentiful, nutritious food,
Which, ceaseless, thrice a day shall yield us hero power enriched with store of nourishment, and strength,
and
Meath.
19 Far-seeing Soma flows, the Steer, the Lord of hymns, the Furtherer of day, of morning, and of heaven.
Mixt with the streams he caused the beakers to resound, and with the singers' aid they entered Indra's hear
t.
20 On, with the prudent singers, flows the ancient Sage and guided by the men hath roared about the vats.
Producing Trita's name, may he pour forth the meath, that Vayu and that Indra may become his Friends.
21 He, being purified, hath made the Mornings shine: this, even this is he who gave the rivers room.
He made the Three Times Seven pour out the milky flow: Soma, the Cheerer, yields whate'er the heart fin
ds
sweet.
22 Flow, onward, Soma, in thine own celestial forms, flow, Indu, poured within the beaker and the sieve.
Sinking into the throat of Indra with a roar, led by the men thou madest Surya mount to heaven.
23 Pressed out with stones thou flowest onward to the sieve, O Indu, entering the depths of Indra's throat.
Far-sighted Soma, now thou lookest on mankind: thou didst unbar the cowstall for the Angirases.
24 In thee, O Soma, while thou purifitedst thee, high-thoughted sages, seeking favour, have rejoiced.
Down from the heavens the Falcon brought thee hitherward, even thee, O Indu, thee whom all our hymns
adorn.
25 Seven Milch-kine glorify the Tawny-coloured One while with his wave in wool he purifies himself.
The living men, the mighty, have impelled the Sage into the waters' lap, the place of sacrifice.
26 Indu, attaining purity, plunges through the foe, making Ilis ways all easy for the pious man.
Making the kine his mantle, he, the lovely Sage, runs like a sporting courser onward through the fleece.
27 The ceaseless watery fountains with their hundred streams sing, as they hasten near, to him the
Golden-hued
Him, clad in robes of milk, swift fingers beautify on the third height and in the luminous realm of heaven.
28 These are thy generations of celestial seed thou art the Sovran Lord of all the world of life.
This universe, O Pavamana, owns thy sway; thou, Indu, art the first establisher of Law.
29 Thou art the sea, O Sage who bringest alf to light: under thy Law are these five regions of the world.
Rig Veda – English Translation
Tlou reachest out beyond the earth, beyond the heavens: thine are the lights, O Pavamana, thine the Sun.
30 Thou in the filter, Soma Pavamana, art purified to support the region for the Gods.
The chief, the longing ones have sought to hold thee fast, and all these living creatures have been turned t
o
thee.
31 Onward the Singer travels o'er the fleecy sieve. the Tawny Steer hath bellowed in the wooden vats.
Hymns have been sung aloud in resonant harmony, and holy songs kiss him, the Child who claims our pra
ise.
32 He hath assumed the rays of Surya for his robe, spinning, as he knows bow, the triply-twisted thread.
He, guiding to the newest rules of Holy Law, comes as the Women's Consort to the special place.
33 On flows the King of rivers and the Lord of heaven: he follows with a shout the paths of Holy Law.
The Golden-hued is poured forth, with his hundred streams, Wealth-bringer, lifting up his voice while
purified.
34 Fain to be cleansed, thou, Pavamana, pourest out, like wondrous Surya, through the fleece, an ample se
a.
Purified with the hands, pressed by the men with stones, thou speedest on to mighty booty-bringing war.
35 Thou, Pavamana, sendest food and power in streams. thou sittest in the beakers as a hawk on trees,
For Indra poured as cheering juice to make him glad, as nearest and farseeing bearer-up of heaven.
36 The Sisters Seven, the Mothers, stand around the Babe, the noble, new-born Infant, skilled in holy son
g,
Gandharva of the floods, divine, beholding men, Soma, that he may reign as King of all the world.
37 As Sovran Lord thereof thou Passest through these worlds, O Indu, harnessing thy tawny well-winged
Mares.
May they pour forth for thee milk and oil rich in sweets: O Soma, let the folk abide in thy decree.
38 O Soma, thou beholdest men from every side: O Pavamana, Steer, thou wanderest through these.
Pour out upon us wealth in treasure and in gold: may we have strength to live among the things that be.
39 Winner of gold and goods and cattle flow thou on, set as impregner, Indu, mid the worlds of life.
Rich in brave men art thou, Soma, who winnest all: these holy singers wait upon thee with the song.
40 The wave of flowing meath hath wakened up desires: the Steer enrobed in milk plunges into the stream
s.
Borne on his chariot-sieve the King hath risen to war, and with a thousand rays hath won him high renow
n.
41 Dear to all life, he sends triumphant praises forth, abundant, bringing offspring, each succeeding day.
From Indra crave for us, Indu, when thou art quaffed, the blessing that gives children, wealth that harbour
s
steeds.
42 When days begin, the strong juice, lovely, golden-hued, is recognized by wisdom more and more each
day,
He, stirring both the Races, goes between the two, the bearer of the word of men and word of Gods.
43 They balm him, balm him over balm him thoroughly, caress the mighty strength and balm it with the
meath.
They seize the flying Steer at the stream's breathing-place: cleansing with gold they grasp the Animal her
ein.
44 Sing forth to Pavamana skilled in holy song: the juice is flowing onward like a mighty stream.
He.glideth like a serpent from his ancient skin, and like a playful horse the Tawny Steer hath run.
45 Dweller in floods, King, foremost, he displays his might, set among living things as measurer of days.
Distilling oil he flows, fair, billowy, golden-hued, borne on a car of light, sharing one hom-e with wealth
.
Rig Veda – English Translation
46 Loosed is the heavens! support, the uplifted cheering juice: the triply-mingled draught flows round int
o
the worlds.
The holy hymns caress the stalk that claims our praise, when singers have approached his beauteous robe
with song.
47 Thy strearns that flow forth rapidly collected run over the fine fleece of the sheep as thou art cleansed.
When, Indu, thou art. balmed with milk within the bowl, thou sinkest in the jars, O Soma, when expressed
.
48 Winner of' power, flow, Soma, worthy of our laud: run onward to the fleece as well-beloved meath.
Destroy, O Indu, all voracious Raksasas. With brave sons in the assembly let our speech be bold.
HYMN LXXXVII. Soma Pavamana.
1.
1. RUN onward to the reservoir and seat thee: cleansed by the men speed forward to the battle.
Making thee beauteous like an able courser, forth to the sacred grass with reins they lead thee.
2 Indu, the well-armed God, is flowing onward, who quells the curse and guards from treacherous onslau
ght,
Father, begetter of the Gods, most skilful, the buttress of the heavens and earth's supporter.
2.
3. Rsi and Sage, the Champion of the people, cleft and sagacious, Usana in wisdom,
He hath discovered even their hidden nature, the Cows' concealed and most mysterious title.
4 This thine own Soma rich in meath, O Indra, Steer for the Steer, hath flowed into the filter.
The strong Free-giver, winning hundreds, thousands, hath reached the holy grass that never fails him.
5 These Somas are for wealth of countless cattle, renown therefor, and mighty strength immortal.
These have been sent forth, urified by strainers, like steeds who rusg to battle fain for glory.
6 He, while he cleanses him, invoked of many, hath flowed to give the people all enjoyment.
Thou whom the Falcon brought, bring, dainty viands, bestir thyself and send us wealth and booty.
7 This Soma, pressed into the cleansing filter, hath run as 'twere a host let loose, the Courser;
Like a strong bull who whets his horns kpen-pointed, like a brave warrior in the fray for cattle.
8 He issued forth from out the loftiest mountain, and found kine hidden somewhere in a stable.
Soma's stream clears itself for thee, O Indra, like lightning thundering through the clouds of heaven,
9 Cleansing thyselr, and borne along with Indra, Soma, thou goest round the herd of cattle.
May thy praise help us, Mighty One, prompt Giver, to the full ample food which thou bestowest.
HYMN LXXXVIII. Soma Pavamana.
1. FOR thee this Soma is effused, O Indra: drink of this juice; for thee the stream is flowing-
Soma, which thou thyself hast made and chosen, even Indu, for thy special drink to cheer thee.
2 Like a capacious car hath it been harnessed, the Mighty; to acquire abundant treasures.
Then in the sacrifice they celebrated all triumphs won by Nahus -n the battle.
3 Like Vayu with his team, moving at pleasure, most gracious when invoked like both Nasatyas,
Thou art thyself like the Wealth-Giver, Soma! who grants all boons, like song-inspiring Pusan.
4 Like Indra who hath done great deeds, thou, Soma, art slayer of the Vrtras, Fort-destroyer.
Like Pedu's horse who killed the brood of serpents, thus thou, O Soma, slayest every Dasyu.
Rig Veda – English Translation
5 Like Agni loosed amid the forest, fiercely he winneth splendour in the running waters.
Like one who fights, the roaring of the mighty, thus Soma Pavamana sends his current.
6 These Somas passing through the fleecy filter, like rain descending from the clouds of heaven,
Have been effused and poured into the beakers, swiftly like rivers running lowly seaward.
7 Flow onward like the potent band of Maruts, like that Celestial Host whom none revileth.
Quickly be gracious unto us like waters, like sacrifice victorious, thousand-fashioned.
8 Thine are King Varuna's eternal statutes, lofty and deep, O Soma, is thy glory.
All-pure art thou like Mitra the beloved, adorable, like Aryaman, O Soma.
HYMN LXXXIX. Soma Pavamana.
1.
1. THIS Chariot-horse hath moved along the pathways, and Pavamana flowed like rain from hea
ven. With us hath Soma with a thousand currents sunk in the wood, upon his Mother's bosom.
2.
2. King, he hath clothed him in the robe of rivers, mounted the straightest-going ship of Order.
Sped by the Hawk the drop hath waxed in waters: the father drains it, drains the Father's offspring.
3 They come to him, red, tawny, Lord of Heaven, the watchful Guardian of the meath, the Lion.
First, Hero in the fight, he seeks the cattle, and with his eye the Steer is our protector.
4 They harness to the broad-wheeled car the mighty Courser whose back bears meath, unwearied, awful.
The twins, the sisters brighten him, and strengthen-these children of one damethe vigorous Racer.
5 Four pouring out the holy oil attend him, sitting together in the same container.
To him they flow, when purified, with homage, and still, from every side, are first about him.
6 He is the buttress of the heavens, supporter of earth, and in his hand are all the people.
Be the team's Lord a well to thee the singer: cleansed is the sweet plant's stalk for deed of glory.
7 Fighting, uninjured come where Gods are feasted; Soma, as Vitra-slayer flow for Indra.
Vouchsafe us ample riches very splendid may we be masters of heroic vigour.
HYMN XC. Soma Pavamana,
1. URGED On, the Father of the Earth and Heaven hath gone forth like a car to gather booty,
Going to Indra, sharpening his weapons, and in his hand containing every treasure.
2 To him the tones of sacred song have sounded, Steer of the triple height, the Life-bestower.
Dwelling in wood as Varuna in rivers, lavishing treasure he distributes blessings
3 Great Conqueror, warnor-girt, Lord of all heroes, flow on thy way as he who winneth riches;
With sharpened. arms, with swift bow, never vanquished in battle, vanquishing in fight the foemen.
4 Giving security, Lord of wide dominion, send us both earth and heaven with all their fulness.
Striving to win the Dawns, the light, the waters, and cattle, call to us abundant vigour.
5 O Soma, gladden Varuna and Mitra; cheer, Indu Pavamana! Indra, Visnu.
Cheer thou the Gods, the Company of Maruts: Indu, cheer mighty Indra to rejoicing.
6 Thus like a wise and potent King flow onward, destroying with thy vigour all misfortunes.
For our well-spoken hymn give life, O Indu. Do ye preserve us evermore with blessings.
HYMN XCI. Soma Pavamana.
1. As for a chariot-race, the skilful Speaker, Chief, Sage, Inventor, hath, with song, been started. The sist
ers ten upon the fleecy summit drive on the Car-horse to the resting places. 2 The drop of Soma, pressed
Rig Veda – English Translation
by wise Nahusyas, becomes the banquet of the Heavenly People- Indu, by hands of mortal men made bea
uteous, immortal, with the sheep and cows and waters. 3 Steer roaring unto Steer, this Pavamana, this juic
e runs to the white milk of the milch-cow. Through thousand fine hairs goes the tuneful Singer, like Sura
by his fair and open pathways. 4 Break down the, strong seats even of the demons: cleansing thee, Indu, r
obd thyself in vigour. Rend with thy swift bolt, coming from above them, those who are near and those w
ho yet are distant. 5 Prepare the forward paths in ancient manner for the new bymn, thou Giver of all boun
ties. Those which are high and hard for foes to conquer may we gain from thee, Active! Food-bestower!
6 So purifying thee vouchsafe us waters, heaven's light, and cows, offipring and many children. Give us h
ealth, ample land, and lights, O Soma, and grant us long to look upon the sunshine.
HYMN XCII. Soma Pavamana.
1. THE gold-hued juice, poured out upon the filter, is started like a car sent forth to conquer. He hath gai
ned song and vigour while they cleansed him, and hath rejoiced the Gods with entertainments. 2 He who
beholdeth man hath reached the filter: bearing his name, the Sage hath sought his dwelling.
The Rsis came to him, seven holy singers, when in the bowls he settled as Invoker.
3 Shared by all Gods, mobt wise, propitious, Soma goes, while they cleanse him, to his constant station.
Let him rejoice in all his lofty wisdom to the Five Tribes the Sage attains with labour.
4 In thy mysterious place, O Pavamana Soma, are all the Gods, the Thrice-Eleven.
Ten on the fleecy height, themselves, self-prompted, and seven fresh rivers, brighten and adorn thee.
5 Now let this be the truth of Pavamana, there where all singers gather them together,
That he hath given us room and made the daylight, hath holpen Manu and repelled the Dasyu.
6 As the priest seeks the station rich in cattle, like a true King who goes to great assemblies,
Soma hath sought the beakers while they cleansed him, and like a wild bull, in the wood hath settled.
HYMN XCIII. Soma Pavamana.
1. TEN sisters, pouring out the rain together, swift-moving thinkers of the sage, adorn him.
Hither hath run the gold-hued Child of Surya and reached the vat like a fleet vigorous courser.
2 Even as a youngling crying to his mothers, the bounteous Steer hath flowed along to waters.
As youth to damsel, so with milk he hastens on to the. chose meeting-place, the beaker.
3 Yea, swollen is the udder of the milch-cow: thither in streams goes very sapient Indu.
The kine make ready, as with new-washed treasures, the Head and Chief with milk within the vessels.
4 With all the Gods, O Indu Pavamana, while thou art roaring send us wealth in horses.
Hither upon her car come willing Plenty, inclined to us, to give us of her treasures.
5 Now unto us mete riches, while they cleansethee, all-glorious, swelling wealth, with store of heroes.
Long be his life who worships, thee, O Indu. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early.
HYMN XCIV. Soma Pavamana.
1. WHEN beauties strive for him as for a charger, then strive the songs like soldiers for the sunlight.
Acting the Sage, he flows enrobed in waters and song as 'twere a stall that kine may prosper.
2 The worlds expand to hirn who from aforetime found light to spread the law of life eternal.
The swelling songs, like kine within the stable, in deep devotion call aloud on Indu.
Rig Veda – English Translation
3 When the sage bears his holy wisdom round him, like a car visiting all worlds, the Hero,
Becoming fame, mid Gods, unto the mortal, wealth to the skilled, worth praise mid the Ever-present,
4 For glory born be hath come forth to glory: he giveth life and glory to the singers.
They, clothed in glory, have become immortal. He, measured in his course, makes frays successful.
5 Stream to us food and vigour, kine and horses: give us broad lights and fill thGods with rapture.
All ther are easy things for thee to master thou, Pavamana Soma, quellest foemen.
HYMN XCV Soma Pavamana.
1. Loud neighs the Tawny Steed when started, settling deep in the wooden vessel while they cleanse him.
Led by the men he takes the milk for raiment: then shall he, through his powers, engender praise-songs.
2 As one who rows drives on his boat, he, Gold-hued, sends forth his voice, loosed on the path of Order.
As God, the secret names of Gods he utters, to be declared on sacred grass more widely.
3 Hastening onward like the waves of waters, our holy hymns are pressing nigh to Soma.
To him they come with lowly adoration, and, longing, enter him who longs to meet them.
4 They drain the stalk, the Steer who dwells on mountains, even as a Bull who decks him on the upland.
Hymns follow and attend him as he bellows: Trita bears Varuna aloft in ocean.
5 Sending thy voice out as Director, loosen the Invoker's thought, O Indu, as they cleanse thee.
While thou and Indra rule for our advantage, may we be masters of heroic vigour.
HYMN XCVI. Soma Pavamana
1. IN forefront of the cars forth goes the Hero, the Leader, winning spoil: his host rejoices.
Soma endues his robes of lasting colours, and blesses, for his friends, their calls on Indra.
2 Men decked with gold adorn his golden tendril, incessantly with steed-impelling homage.
The Friend of Indra mounts his car well-knowing, he comes thereon to meet the prayer we offer.
3 O God, for service of the Gods flow onward, for food sublime, as Indra's drink, O Soma.
Making the floods, bedewing earth and heaven, come from the vast, comfort us while we cleanse thee
4 Flow for prosperity and constant Vigour, flow on for happiness and high perfection.
This is the wish of these friends assembled: this is my wish, O Soma Pavamana.
5 Father of holy hymns, Soma flows onward the Father of the earth, Father of heaven:
Father of Agni, Surya's generator, the Father who begat Indra and Visnu.
6 Brahman of Gods, the Leader of the poets, Rsi of sages, Bull of savage creatures,
Falcon amid the vultures, Axe of forests, over the cleansing sieve goes Soma singing.
7 He, Soma Pavamana, like a river, hath stirred the wave of voice, our songs and praises.
Beholding these inferior powers in cattle, he rests among them as a Steer well-knowing.
8 As Gladdener, Warrior never harmed in battle, with thousand genial streams, pour strength and vigour.
As thoughtful Pavamana, urge O Indu, speeding the kine, the plant's wave on to Indra.
9 Dear, grateful to the Gods, on to the beaker moves Soma, sweet to Indra, to delight him.
With hundred powers, with thousand currents, Indu, like a strong car-horse, goes to the assembly.
10 Born in old time as finder-out of treasures, drained with the stone, decking himself in waters,
Warding off curses, King of all existence, he shall find way for prayer the while they cleanse him.
11 For our sage fathers, Soma Pavamana, of old performed, by thee, their sacred duties.
Fighting unvanquished, open the enclosures: enrich us with large gifts of steeds and heroes.
