1High hath the Mighty risen before the dawning, and come to us with light from out the darkness.
Fair-shapen Agni with white-shining splendour hath filled at birth all human habitations.

2Thou, being born, art Child of Earth and Heaven, parted among the plants in beauty, Agni!
The glooms of night thou, Brilliant Babe, subduest, and art come forth, loud roaring, from thy Mothers.

3Here, being manifested, lofty Visnu, full wise, protects his own supremest station.
When they have offered in his mouth their sweet milk, to him with one accord they sing forth praises.

4Thence bearing food the Mothers come to meet thee, with food for thee who givest food its increase.
These in their altered form again thou meetest. Thou art Invoking Priest in homes of mortals.

5Priest of the holy rite, with car that glitters, refulgent Banner of each act of worship,
Sharing every God through might and glory, even Agni Guest of men I summon hither.

6So Agni stands on earth’s most central station, invested in well-decorated garments.
Born, red of hue, where men pour out libations, O King, as great High Priest bring the Gods hither.

7Over the earth and over heaven, O Agni, thou, Son, hast ever spread above thy Parents.
Come, Youth-fullest! to those who long to meet thee, and hither bring the Gods, O Mighty Victor.

1Gladden the yearning Gods, O thou Most Youthful: bring them, O Lord of Seasons, knowing seasons,
With all the Priests Celestial, O Agni. Best worshipper art thou of all Invokers.

2Thine is the Herald’s, thine the Cleanser’s office, thinker art thou, wealth-giver, true to Order.
Let us with Sváhá offer up oblations, and Agni, worthy God, pay the Gods worship.

3To the Gods’ pathway have we travelled, ready to execute what work we may accomplish.
Let Agni, for he knows, complete the worship. He is the Priest: let him fix rites and seasons.

4When we most ignorant neglect the statutes of you, O Deities with whom is knowledge,
Wise Agni shall correct our faults and failings, skilled to assign each God his fitting season.

5When, weak in mind, of feeble understanding, mortals bethink them not of sacrificing,
Then shall the prudent and discerning Agni worship the Gods, best worshipper, in season.

6Because the Father hath produced thee, Leader of all our solemn rites, their brilliant Banner:
So win by worship pleasant homes abounding in heroes, and rich food to nourish all men.

7Thou whom the Heaven and Earth, thou whom the Waters, and Tvastar, maker of fair things, created,
Well knowing, all along the Fathers’ pathway, shine with resplendent light, enkindled, Agni.

1O King, the potent and terrific envoy, kindled for strength, is manifest in beauty.
He shines, all-knowing, with his lotty splendour: chasing black Night he comes with white-rayed Morning.

2Having o’ercome the glimmering Black with beauty, and bringing forth the dame the Great Sire’s Daughter,
Holding aloft the radiant light of Súrya, as messenger of heaven he shines with treasures.

3Attendant on the Blessed Dame the Blessed hath come: the Lover followeth his Sister.
Agni, far-spreading with conspicuous lustre, hath compassed Night with whitelyshining garments.

4His goings-forth kindle as ’twere high voices the goings of the auspicious Friend of Agni.
The rays, the bright beams of the strong-jawed, mighty, adorable Steer are visible as he cometh.

5Whose radiant splendours flow, like sounds, about us, his who is lofty, brilliant, and effulgent,
Who reaches heaven with best and brightest lustres, sportive and piercing even to the summit.

6His powers, whose chariot fellies gleam and glitter have loudly roared while, as with teams, he hasted.
He, the most Godlike, far-extending envoy, shines with flames ancient, resonant, whitely-shining.

7So bring us ample wealth: seat thee as envoy of the two youthful Matrons, Earth and Heaven.
Let Agni rapid with his rapid horses, impetuous with impetuous Steeds, come hither.

1To thee will send praise and bring oblation, as thou hast merited lauds when we invoked thee.
A fountain in the desert art thou, Agni, O Ancient King, to man who fain would worship,

2Thou unto whom resort the gathered people, as the kine seek the warm stall, O Most Youthful.
Thou art the messenger of Gods and mortals, and goest glorious with thy light between them.

3Making thee grow as ’twere some noble infant, thy Mother nurtures thee with sweet affection.
Over the desert slopes thou passest longing, and seekest, like some beast set free, thy fodder.

4Foolish are we, O Wise and free from error: verily, Agni, thou dost know thy grandeur.
There lies the form: he moves and licks, and swallows, and, as House-Lord, kisses the Youthful Maiden.

5He rises ever fresh in ancient fuel: smoke-bannered, gray, he makes the wood his dwelling.
No swimmer, Steer, he presses through the waters, and to his place accordant mortals bear him.

6Like thieves who risk their lives and haunt the forest, the twain with their ten girdles have secured him.
This is a new hymn meant for thee, O Agni: yoke as it were thy car with parts that glitter.

7Homage and prayer are thine, O Játavedas, and this my song shall evermore exalt thee.
Agni, protect our children and descendants, and guard with ever-watchful care our bodies.

1He only is the Sea, holder of treasures: born many a time he views the hearts within us.
He hides him in the secret couple’s bosom. The Bird dwells in the middle of the fountain.

2Inhabiting one dwelling-place in common, strong Stallions and the Mares have come together.
The sages guard the seat of Holy Order, and keep the highest names concealed within them.

3The Holy Pair, of wondrous power, have coupled: they formed the Infant, they who bred produced him.
The central point of all that moves and moves not, the while they wove the Sage’s thread with insight

4For tracks of Order and refreshing viands attend from ancient times the goodly Infant.
Wearing him as a mantle, Earth and Heaven grow strong by food of pleasant drink and fatness.

5He, calling loudly to the Seven red Sisters, hath, skilled in sweet drink, brought them to be looked on.
He, born of old, in middle air hath halted, and sought and found the covering robe of Pusan.

6Seven are the pathways which the wise have fashioned; to one of these may come the troubled mortal.
He standeth in the dwelling of the Highest, a Pillar, on sure ground where paths are parted.

7Not Being, Being in the highest heaven, in Aditi’s bosom and in Daksa’s birth-place,
Is Agni, our first-born of Holy Order, the Milch-Cow and the Bull in life’s beginning.

1This is that Agni, he by whose protection, favour, and help the singer is successful;
Who with the noblest flames of glowing fuel comes forth encompassed with far-spreading lustre.

2Agni, the Holy One, the everlasting, who shines far beaming with celestial splendours;
He who hath come unto his friends with friendship, like a fleet steed who never trips or stumbles.

3He who is Lord of all divine oblation, shared by all living men at break of morning,
Agni to whom our offerings are devoted, in whom rests he whose car, through might, is scatheless.

4Increasing by his strength, while lauds content him, with easy flight unto the Gods he travels.
Agni the cheerful Priest, best Sacrificer, balms with his tongue the Gods with whom he mingles.

5With songs and adorations bring ye hither Agni who stirs himself at dawn like Indra,
Whom sages laud with hymns as Játavedas of those who wield the sacrificial ladle.

6In whom all goodly treasures meet together, even as steeds and riders for the booty.
Inclining hither bring us help, O Agni, even assistance most desired by Indra.

7Yea, at thy birth, when thou hadst sat in glory, thou, Agni, wast the aim of invocations.
The Gods came near, obedient to thy summons, and thus attained their rank as chief Protectors.

1O Agni, shared by all men living bring us good luck for sacrifice from earth and heaven.
With us be thine intelligence, WonderWorker! Protect us, God, with thy far-reaching blessings.

2These hymns brought forth for thee, O Agni, laud thee for bounteous gifts, with cattle and with horses.
Good Lord, when man from thee hath gained enjoyment, by hymns, O noblyborn, hath he obtained it.

3Agni I deem my Kinsman and my Father, count him my Brother and my Friend for ever.
I honour as the face of lofty Agni in heaven the bright and holy light of Súrya.

4Effectual, Agni, are our prayers for profit. He whom, at home thou, Priest for ever, guardest
Is rich in food, drawn by red steeds, and holy: by day and night to him shall all be pleasant.

5Men with their arms have generated Agni, helpful as some kind friend, adorned with splendours,
And stablished as Invoker mid the people the ancient Priest the sacrifice’s lover.

6Worship, thyself, O God, the Gods in heaven: what, void of knowledge, shall the fool avail thee?
As thou, O God, hast worshipped Gods by seasons, so, nobly-born! to thine own self pay worship.

7Agni, be thou our Guardian and Protector bestow upon us life and vital vigour.
Accept, O Mighty One, the gifts we offer, and with unceasing care protect our bodies.

1Agni advances with his lofty banner: the Bull is bellowing to the earth and heavens.
He hath attained the sky’s supremest limits. the Steer hath waxen in the lap of waters.

2The Bull, the youngling with the hump, hath frolicked, the strong and never-ceasing Calf hath bellowed.
Bringing our offerings to the God’s assembly, he moves as Chief in his own dwelling-places.

3Him who hath grasped his Parents’ head, they stablished at sacrifice a wave of heavenly lustre.
In his swift flight the red Dawns borne by horses refresh their bodies in the home of Order.

4For, Vasu thou precedest every Morning, and still hast been the Twins’ illuminator.
For sacrifice, seven places thou retainest while for thine own self thou engenderest Mitra.

5Thou art the Eye and Guard of mighty Order, and Váruna when to sacrifice thou comest.
Thou art the Waters’ Child O Játavedas, envoy of him whose offering thou acceptest.

6Thou art the Leader of the rite and region, to which with thine auspicious teams thou teadest,
Thy light-bestowing head to heaven thou liftest, making thy tongue the oblation-bearer, Agni.

7Through his wise insight Trita in the cavern, seeking as ever the Chief Sire’s intention,
Carefully tended in his Parents’ bosom, calling the weapons kin, goes forth to combat.

8Well-skilled to use the weapons of his Father, Áptya, urged on by Indra, fought the battle.
Then Trita slew the foe seven-rayed, three-headed, and freed the cattle of the Son of Tvastar.

9Lord of the brave, Indra cleft him in pieces who sought to gain much strength and deemed him mighty.
He smote his three heads from his body, seizing the cattle of the omniform Son of Tvastar.

1Ye, Waters, are beneficent: so help ye us to energy
That we may look on great delight.

2Give us a portion of the sap, the most auspicious that ye have,
Like mothers in their longing love.

3To you we gladly come for him to whose abode ye send us on;
And, Waters, give us procreant strength.

4The Waters be to us for drink, Goddesses for our aid and bliss:
Let them stream to us health and strength.

5I beg the Floods to give us balm, these Queens who rule o’er precious things,
And have supreme control of men.

6Within the Waters - Soma thus hath told me - dwell all balms that heal,
And Agni, he who blesseth all.

7O Waters, teem with medicine to keep my body safe from harm,
So that I long may see the Sun.

8Whatever sin is found in me, whatever evil I have wrought,
If I have lied or falsely sworn, Waters, remove it far from me.

9The Waters I this day have sought, and to their moisture have we come:
O Agni, rich in milk, come thou, and with thy splendour cover me.

1fain would I win my friend to kindly friendship. So may the Sage come through the air’s wide ocean,
Remembering the earth and days to follow, obtain a son, the issue of his father.

2Thy friend loves not the friendship which considers her who is near in kindred as stranger.
Sons of the mighty Asura, the Heroes, supporters of the heavens, see far around them.

3Yea, this the Immortals seek of thee with longing, progeny of the sole existing mortal.
Then let thy soul and mine be knit together, and as a loving husband take thy consort.

4Shall we do now what we ne’er did aforetime? we who spake righteously now talk impurely?
Gandharva in the floods, the Dame of Waters - such is our bond, such our most lofty kinship.

5Even in the womb God Tvastar, Vivifier, shaping all forms, Creator, made us consorts.
None violates his holy ordinances: that we are his the heavens and earth acknowledge.

6Who knows that earliest day whereof thou speakest? Who hath beheld it? Who can here declare it?
Great is the Law of Váruna and Mitra. What, wanton! wilt thou say to men to tempt them?

7I, Yami, am possessed by love of Yama, that I may rest on the same couch beside him.
I as a wife would yield me to my husband. Like car-wheels let us speed to meet each other.

8They stand not still, they never close their eyelids, those sentinels of Gods who wander round us.
Not me-go quickly, wanton, with another, and hasten like a chariot wheel to meet him.

9May Súrya’s eye with days and nights endow him, and ever may his light spread out before him.
In heaven and earth the kindred Pair commingle. On Yam! be the unbrotherly act of Yama.

10Sure there will come succeeding times when brothers and sisters will do acts unmeet for kinsfolk.
Not me, O fair one, - seek another husband, and make thine arm a pillow for thy consort.

11Is he a brother when no lord is left her? Is she a sister when Destruction cometh?
Forced by my love these many words I utter. Come near, and hold me in thy close embraces.

12I will not fold mine arms about thy body: they call it sin when one comes near his sister.
Not me, - prepare thy pleasures with another: thy brother seeks not this from thee, O fair one.

13Alas! thou art indeed a weakling, Yama we find in thee no trace of heart or spirit.
As round the tree the woodbine clings, another will cling albout thee girt as with a girdle.

14Embrace another, Yami; let another, even as the woodbine rings the tree, enfold thee.
Win thou his heart and let him win thy fancy, and he shall form with thee a blest alliance.

1Heaven and Earth, first by everlasting Order, speakers of truth, are near enough to hear us,
When the God, urging men to worship, sitteth as Priest, assuming all his vital vigour.

2As God comprising Gods by Law Eternal, bear, as the Chief who knoweth, our oblation,
Smoke-bannered with the fuel, radiant, joyous, better to praise and worship, Priest for ever.

3When the cow’s nectar wins the God completely, men here below are heaven’s sustainers.
All the Gods came to this thy heavenly Yajus which from the motley Pair milked oil and water.

4I praise your work that ye may make me prosper: hear, Heaven and Earth, Twain Worlds that drop with fatness.
While days and nights go to the world of spirits, here let the Parents with sweet meath refresh us.

5Hath the King siezed us? How have we offended against his holy ordinance? Who knoweth?
For even Mitra mid the Gods is angry there are both song and strength for those who come not.

6’Tis hard to understand the Immortal’s nature, where she who is a kin becomes a stranger.
Guard ceaselessly, great Agni, him who ponders Yama’s name, easy to be comprehended.

7They in the synod where the Gods rejoice them, where they are seated in Vivasván’s dwelling,
Have given the Moon his beams, the Sun his splendour - the Two unweariedly maintain their brightness.

8The counsel which the Gods meet to consider, their secret plan, - of that we have no knowledge.
There let God Savitar, Aditi, and Mitra proclaim to Váruna that we are sinless.

9Hear us, O Agni, in your common dwelling: harness thy rapid car, the car of Amrta.
Bring Heaven and Earth, the Deities’ Parents, hither: stay with us here, nor from the Gods be distant.

1I Yoke with prayer your ancient inspiration: may the laud rise as on the prince’s pathway.
All Sons of Immortality shall hear it, all the possessors of celestial natures.

2When speeding ye came nigh us like twin sisters, religious-hearted votaries brought you forward.
Take your place, ye who know your proper station: be near, be very near unto our Soma.

3Five paces have I risen from Earth. I follow her who hath four feet with devout observance.
This by the Sacred Syllable have I measured: I purify in the central place of Order,

4He, for God’s sake, chose death to be his portion. He chose not, for men’s good, a life eternal.
They sacrificed Brhaspati the Rsi. Yama delivered up his own dear body.

5The Seven flow to the Youth on whom the Maruts wait: the Sons unto the Father brought the sacrifice.
Both these are his, as his they are the Lords of both: both toil; belonging unto both they prosper well.

1Honour the King with thine oblations, Yama, Vivasván’s Son, who gathers men together,
Who travelled to the lofty heights above us, who searches out and shows the path to many.

2Yama first found for us a place to dwell in: this pasture never can be taken from Us.
Men born on earth tread their own paths that lead them whither our ancient Fathers have departed.

3Mitali prospers there with Kavyas, Yama with Angiras’ sons, Brhaspati with Rkvans:
Exalters of the Gods, by Gods exalted, some joy in praise and some in our oblation.

4Come, seat thee on this bed of grass, O Yama, in company with Angirases and Fathers.
Let texts recited by the sages bring thee O King, let this oblation make thee joyful.

5Come, Yama, with the Angirases the Holy, rejoice thee here with children of Virúpa.
To sit on sacred grass at this our worship, I call Vivasván, too, thy Father hither.

6Our Fathers are Angirases, Navagvas, Atharvans, Bhrgus who deserve the Soma.
May these, the Holy, look on us with favour, may we enjoy their gracious loving-kindness.

7Go forth, go forth upon the ancient pathways whereon our sires of old have gone before us.
There shalt thou look on both the Kings enjoying their sacred food, God Váruna and Yama.

8Meet Yama, meet the Fathers, meet the merit of free or ordered acts, in highest heaven.
Leave sin and evil, seek anew thy dwelling, and bright with glory wear another body.

9Go hence, depart ye, fly in all directions: this place for him the Fathers have provided.
Yama bestows on him a place to rest is adorned with days and beams of light and waters.

10Run and outspeed the two dogs, Saramá’s offspring, brindled, four-eyed, upon thy happy pathway.
Draw nigh then to the gracious-minded Fathers where they rejoice in company with Yama.

11And those two dogs of thine, Yama, the watchers, four-eyed, who look on men and guard the pathway, -
Entrust this man, O King, to their protection, and with prosperity and health endow him.

12Dark-hued, insatiate, with distended nostrils, Yama’s two envoys roam among the People;
May they restore to us a fair existence here and to-day, that we may see the sunlight.

13To Yama pour the Soma, bring to Yama consecrated gifts:
To Yama sacrifice prepared and heralded by Agni goes.

14Offer to Yama holy gifts enriched with butter, and draw near:
So may he grant that we may live long days of life among the Gods.

15Offer to Yama, to the King, oblation very rich in meath:
Bow down before the Rsis of the ancient times, who made this path in days of old.

16Into the six Expanses flies the Great One in Trkadrukas.
The Gáyatri, the Trstup, all metres in Yama are contained.

1May they ascend, the lowest, highest, midmost, the Fathers who deserve a share of Soma -
May they who have attained the life of spirits, gentle and righteous, aid us when we call them.

2Now let us pay this homage to the Fathers, to those who passed of old and those who followed,
Those who have rested in the earthly region, and those who dwell among the Mighty Races.

3I have attained the gracious-minded Fathers, I have gained son and progeny from Visnu.
They who enjoy pressed juices with oblation seated on sacred grass, come oftenest hither.

4Fathers who sit on sacred grass, come, help us: these offerings have we made for you; accept them.
So come to us with most auspicious favour, and give us health and strength without a trouble.

5May they, the Fathers, worthy of the Soma, invited to their favourite oblations.
Laid on the sacred grass, come nigh and listen: may they be gracious unto us and bless us.

6Bowing your bended knees and seated southward, accept this sacrifice of ours with favour.
Punish us not for any sin, O Fathers, which we through human frailty have committed.

7Lapped in the bosom of the purple Mornings, give riches to the man who brings oblations.
Grant to your sons a portion of that treasure, and, present, give them energy, ye Fathers.

8Our ancient Fathers who deserve the Soma, who came, most noble, to our Soma banquet, -
With these let Yama, yearning with the yearning, rejoicing eat our offerings at his pleasure.

9Come to us, Agni, with the gracioug Fathers who dwell in glowing light, the very Kavyas,
Who thirsted mid the Gods, who hasten hither, oblation winners, theme of singers’ praises.

10Come, Agni, come with countless ancient Fathers, dwellers in light, primeval, God-adorers,
Eaters and drinkers of oblations, truthful, who travel with the Deities and Indra.

11Fathers whom Agni’s flames have tasted, come ye nigh: ye kindly leaders, take ye each your proper place.
Eat sacrificial food presented on the grass: grant riches with a multitude of hero sons.

12Thou, Agni Játavedas, when entreated, didst bear the offerings which thou madest fragrant,
And give them to the Fathers who did eat them with Svadhá. Eat, thou God, the gifts we bring thee.

13Thou, Játavedas, knowest well the number of Fathers who are here and who are absent,
Of Fathers whom we know and whom we know not: accept the sacrifice well prepared with portions.

14They who, consumed by fire or not cremated, joy in their offering in the midst of heaven, -
Grant them, O Sovran Lord, the world of spirits and their own body, as thy pleasure wills it.

1Burn him not up, nor quite consume him, Agni: let not his body or his skin be scattered.
O Játavedas, when thou hast matured him, then send him on his way unto the Fathers.

2When thou hast made him ready, Játavedas, then do thou give him over to the Fathers.
When he attains unto the life that waits him, he shall become the Deities’ controller.

3The Sun receive thine eye, tne Wind thy spirit; go, as thy merit is, to earth or heaven.
Go, if it be thy lot, unto the waters; go, make thine home in plants with all thy members.

4Thy portion is the goat: with heat consume him: let thy fierce flame, thy glowing splendour, burn him,
With thine auspicious forms, o Játavedas, bear this man to the region of the pious.

5Again, O Agni, to the Fathers send him who, offered in thee, goes with our oblations.
Wearing new life let him increase his offspring: let him rejoin a body, Játavedas.

6What wound soe’er the dark bird hath inflicted, the emmet, or the serpent, or the jackal,
May Agni who devoureth all things heal it and Soma who hath passed into the Bráhmans.

7Shield thee with flesh against the flames of Agni, encompass thee about with fat and marrow,
So will the Bold One, eager to attack thee with fierce glow fail to girdle and consume thee.

8Forbear, O Agni, to upset this ladle: the Gods and they who merit Soma love it.
This ladle, this which serves the Gods to drink from, in this the Immortal Deities rejoice them.

9I send afar flesh eating Agni, bearing off stains may he depart to Yama’s subjects.
But let this other Játavedas carry oblation to the Gods, for he is skilful.

10I choose as God for Father-worship Agni, flesh-eater, who hath past within your dwelling,
While looking on this other Játavedas. Let him light flames in the supreme assembly.

11With offerings meet let Agni bring the Fathers who support the Law.
Let him announce oblations paid to Fathers and to Deities.

12Right gladly would we set thee down, right gladly make thee burn and glow.
Gladly bring yearning Fathers nigh to eat the food of sacrifice.

13Cool, Agni, and again refresh the spot which thou hast scorched and burnt.
Here let the water-lily grow, and tender grass and leafy herb.

14O full of coolness, thou cool Plant, full of fresh moisture, freshening Herb,
Come hither with the female frog: fill with delight this Agni here.

1Tvastar prepares the bridal of his Daughter: all the world hears the tidings and assembles.
But Yama’s Mother, Spouse of great Vivasván, vanished as she was carried to her dwelling.

2From mortal men they hid the Immortal Lady, made one like her and gave her to Vivasván.
Saranyú brought to him the Asvin brothers, and then deserted both twinned pairs of children.

3Guard of the world, whose cattle ne’er are injured, may Pusan bear thee hence, for he hath knowledge.
May he consign thee to these Fathers’ keeping, and to the gracious Gods let Agni give thee.

4May Ayu, giver of all life, protect thee, and bear thee forward on the distant pathway.
Thither let Savitar the God transport thee, where dwell the pious who have passed before thee.

5Pusan knows all these realms: may he conduct us by ways that are most free from fear and danger.
Giver of blessings, glowing, all-heroic, may he, the wise and watchful, go before us.

6Pusan was born to move on distant pathways, on the road far from earth and far from heaven.
To both most wonted places of assembly he travels and returns with perfect knowledge.

7The pious call Sarasvati, they worship Sarasvati while sacrifice proceedeth.
The pious called Sarasvati aforetime. Sarasvati send bliss to him who giveth.

8Sarasvati, who camest with the Fathers, with them rejoicing thee in our oblations,
Seated upon this sacred grass be joyful, and give us strengthening food that brings no sickness.

9Thou, called on as Sarasvati by Fathers who come right forward to our solemn service,
Give food and wealth to present sacrificers, a portion, worth a thousand, of refreshment.

10The Mother Floods shall make us bright and shining, cleansers of holy oil, with oil shall cleanse us:
For, Goddesses, they bear off all defilement: I, rise up from them purified and brightened.

11Through days of earliest date the Drop descended on this place and on that which was before it.
I offer up, throughout the seven oblations, the Drop which still to one same place is moving.

12The Drop that falls, thy stalk which arms have shaken, which from the bosom of the press hath fallen,
Or from the Adhvaryu’s purifying filter, I offer thee with heart and cry of Vasat!

13That fallen Drop of thine, the stalk which from the ladle fell away,
This present God Brhaspati shall pour it forth to make us rich.

14The plants of earth are rich in milk, and rich in milk is this my speech;
And rich in milk the essence of the Waters: make me pure therewith.

1Go hence, O Death, pursue thy special pathway apart from that which Gods are wont to travel.
To thee I say it who hast eyes and hearest: Touch not our offspring, injure not our heroes.

2As ye have come effacing Mrtyu’s footstep, to further times prolonging your existence,
May ye be rich in children and possessions. cleansed, purified, and meet for sacrificing.

3Divided from the dead are these, the living: now be our calling on the Gods successful.
We have gone forth for dancing and for laughter, to further times prolonging our existence.

4Here I erect this rampart for the living; let none of these, none other, reach this limit.
May they survive a hundred lengthened autumns, and may they bury Death beneath this mountain.

5As the days follow days in close succession, as with the seasons duly come the seasons,
As each successor fails not his fore-goer, so form the lives of these, O great Ordainer.

6Live your full lives up! find old age delightful, all of you striving one behind the other.
May Tvastar, maker of fair things, be gracious and lengthen out the days of your existence.

7Let these unwidowed dames with noble husbands adorn themselves with fragrant balm and unguent.
Decked with fair jewels, tearless, free from sorrow, first let the dames go up to where he lieth.

8Rise, come unto the world of life, O woman: come, he is lifeless by whose side thou liest.
Wifehood with this thy husband was thy portion, who took thy hand and wooed thee as a lover.

9From his dead hand I take the bow be carried, that it may be our power and might and glory.
There art thou, there; and here with noble heroes may we o’ercome all hosts that fight against us.

10Betake thee to the lap of Earth the Mother, of Earth far-spreading, very kind and gracious.
Young Dame, wool-soft unto the guerdon-giver, may she preserve thee from Destruction’s bosom.

11Heave thyself, Earth, nor press thee downward heavily: afford him easy access, gently tending him.
Cover him, as a mother wraps her skirt about her child, O Earth.

12Now let the heaving earth be free from motion: yea, - let a thousand clods remain above him.
Be they to him a home distilling fatness, here let them ever be his place of refuge.

13I stay the earth from thee, while over thee I place this piece of earth. May I be free from injury.
Here let the Fathers keep this pillar firm for thee, and there let Yama make thee an abiding-place.

14Even as an arrow’s feathers, they have set me on a fitting day.
The fit word have I caught and held as ’twere a courser with the rein.

1Turn, go not farther on your way: visit us, O ye Wealthy Ones.
Agni and Soma, ye who bring riches again, secure us wealth.

2Make these return to us again, bring them beside us once again.
May Indra give them back to us, and Agni drive them hither-ward.

3Let them return to us again: under this herdsman let them feed.
Do thou, O Agni, keep them here, and let the wealth we have remain.

4I call upon their herdsman, him who knoweth well their coming nigh,
Their parting and their home-return, and watcheth their approach and rest.

5Yea, let the herdsman, too, return, who marketh well their driving-forth;
Marketh their wandering away, their turning back and coming home.

6Home-leader, lead them home to us; Indra, restore to us our kine:
We will rejoice in them alive.

7I offer you on every side butter and milk and strengthening food.
May all the Holy Deities pour down on us a flood of wealth.

8O thou Home-leader, lead them home, restore them thou who bringest home.
Four are the quarters of the earth; from these bring back to us our kine.

1Send unto us a good and happy mind.

2I worship Agni, Youthfullest of Gods, resistless, Friend of laws;
Under whose guard and heavenly light the Spotted seek the Mother’s breast:

3Whom with their mouth they magnify, bannered with flame and homed in light.
He glitters with his row of teeth.

4Kind, Furtherer of men, he comes, when he hath reached the ends of heaven,
Sage, giving splendour to the clouds.

5To taste man’s offerings, he, the Strong, hath risen erect at sacrifice:
Fixing his dwelling he proceeds.

6Here are oblation, worship, rest: rapidly comes his furtherance.
To sword-armed Agni come the Gods.

7With service for chief bliss I seek the Lord of Sacrifice, Agni, whom
They call the Living, Son of Cloud.

8Blest evermore be all the men who come from us, who magnify
Agni with sacrificial gifts.

9The path he treads is black and white and red, and striped, and brown, crimson, and glorious.
His sire begat him bright with hues of gold.

10Thus with his thoughts, O Son of Strength, O Agni, hath Vimada, accordant with the Immortals,
Offered thee hymns, soliciting thy favour. Thou hast brought all food, strength, a prosperous dwelling.

1With offerings of our own we choose thee, Agni, as Invoking Priest,
For sacrifice with trimmed grass, - at your glad carouse - piercing and brightly shining. Thou art waxing great.

2The wealthy ones adorn thee, they who bring us horses as their gift:
The sprinkling ladle, Agni, - at your glad carouse - and glowing offering taste thee. Thou art waxing great.

3The holy statutes rest by thee, as ’twere with ladles that o’erflow.
Black and white-gleaming colours, - at your glad carouse - all glories thou assurnest. Thou art waxing great.

4O Agni, what thou deemest wealth, Victorious and Immortal One!
Bring thou to give us vigour, - at your glad carouse - splendid at sacrifices. Thou art waxing great.

5Skilled in all lore is Agni, he whom erst Atharvan brought to life.
He was Vivasván’s envoy, at your glad carouse - the weIl-loved friend of Yama, Thou art waxing great.

6At sacrifices they adore thee, Agni, when the rite proceeds.
All fair and lovely treasures - at your glad carouse - thou givest him who offers. Thou art waxing great.

7Men, Agni, have established thee as welcome Priest at holy rites,
Thee whose face shines with butter, - at your glad carouse - bright, with eyes most observant. Thou art waxing great.

8Wide and aloft thou spreadest thee, O Agni, with tby brilliant flame.
A Bull art thou when bellowing, - at your glad carouse - thou dost impregn the Sisters. Thou art waxing great.

1Where is famed Indra heard of? With what folk is he renowned to-day as Mitra is, -
Who in the home of Rsis and in secret is extolled with song?

2Even here is Indra famed, and among us this day the glorious Thunderer is praised,
He who like Mitra mid the folk hath won complete and full renown.

3He who is Sovran Lord of great and perfect strength, exerter of heroic might,
Who bears the fearless thunder as a father bears his darling son.

4Harnessing to thy car, as God, two blustering Steeds Of the Wind-God, O Thunderer,
That speed along the shining path, thou making ways art glorified.

5Even to these dark Steeds of Wind thou of thyself hast come to ride,
Of which no driver may be found, none, be he God or mortal man.

6When ye approach, men ask you, thee and Usana: Why come ye to our dwelling-place?
Why are ye come to mortal man from distant realms of earth and heaven?

7O Indra, thou shalt speak us fair: our holy prayer is offered up.
We pray to thee for help as thou didst strike the monster Susna dead.

8Around us is the Dasyu, riteless, void of sense, inhuman, keeping alien laws.
Baffle, thou Slayer of the foe, the weapon which this Dasa wields.

9Hero with Heroes, thou art ours: yea, strong are they whom thou dost help.
In many a place are thy full gifts, and men, like vassals, sing thy praise.

10Urge thou these heroes on to slay the enemy, brave Thunderer! in the fight with swords.
Even when hid among the tribes of Sages numerous as stars.

11Swift come those gifts of thine whose hand is prompt to rend and burn, O Hero Thunder-armed:
As thou with thy Companions didst destroy the whole of Susnia’s brood.

12Let not thine excellent assistance come to us, O Hero Indra, profitless.
May we, may we enjoy the bliss of these thy favours, Thunderer!

13May those soft impulses of thine, O Indra, be fruitful and innocent to us.
May we know these whose treasures are like those of milch-kine, Thunderer!

14That Earth, through power of knowing things that may be known, handless and footless yet might thrive,
Thou slewest, turning to the right, Susna for every living man.

15Drink, drink the Soma, Hero Indra; be not withheld as thou art good, O Treasure-giver.
Preserve the singers and our liberal princes, and make us wealthy with abundant riches.

1Indra, whose right hand wields the bolt, we worship, driver of Bay Steeds seeking sundered courses.
Shaking his beard with might he hath arisen, casting his weapons forth and dealing bounties.

2The treasure which his Bay Steeds found at sacrifice, - this wealth made opulent Indra slayer of the foe.
Rbhu, Rbhuksan, Vaja - he is Lord of Might. The Dasa’s very name I utterly destroy.

3When, with the Princes, Maghavari, famed of old, comes nigh the thunder-bolt of gold, and the Controller’s car
Which his two Tawny Coursers draw, then Indra is the Sovran Lord of power whose glory spreads afar.

4With him too is this rain of his that comes like herds: Indra throws drops of moisture on his yellow beard.
When the sweet juice is shed he seeks the pleasant place, and stirs the worshipper as wind disturbs the wood.

5We laud and praise his several deeds of valour who, fatherlike, with power hath made us stronger;
Who with his voice slew many thousand wicked ones who spake in varied manners with contemptuous cries.

6Indra, the Vimadas have formed for thee a laud, copious, unparalleled, for thee Most Bountiful.
We know the good we gain from him the Mighty One when we attract him as a herdsman calls the kine.

7Ne’er may this bond of friendship be dissevered, the Rsi Vimada’s and thine, O Indra.
We know thou carest for us as a brother with us, O God, be thine auspicious friendship.

1O Indra, drink this Soma, pressed out in the mortar, full of sweets.
Send down to us great riches, - at your glad carouse - in thousands, O Most healthy. Thou art waxing great.

2To thee with sacrifices, with oblations, and with lauds we come.
Lord of all strength and power, grant - at your glad carouse - the best choiceworthy treasure. Thou art waxing great.

3Thou who art Lord of precious boons, inciter even of the churl.
Guardian of singers, Indra, - at your glad carouse - save us from woe and hatred. Thou art waxing great.

4Strong, Lords of Magic power, ye Twain churned the united worlds apart,
When ye, implored by Vimada, Násatyas, forced apart the pair.

5When the united pair were rent asunder all the Gods complained.
The Gods to the Násatyas cried, Bring these together once again.

6Sweet be my going forth, and rich in sweets be my approach to home.
So, through your Deity, both Gods, enrich us with all pleasantness.

1Send us a good and happy mind, send energy and mental power.
Then - at your glad carouse - let men joy in thy love, Sweet juice! as kine in pasture. Thou art waxing great.

2In all thy forms, O Soma, rest thy powers that influence the heart.
So also these my longings - at your glad carouse - spread themselves seeking riches. Thou art waxing great.

3Even if, O Soma, I neglect thy laws through my simplicity,
Be gracious - at your glad carouse - as sire to son. Preserve us even from slaughter. Thou art waxing great.

4Our songs in concert go to thee as streams of water to the wells.
Soma, that we may live, grant - at your glad carouse - full powers of mind, like beakers. Thou art waxing great.

5O Soma, through thy might who art skilful and strong, these longing men,
These sages, have thrown open - at your glad carouse - the stall of kine and horses. Thou art waxing great,

6Our herds thou guardest, Soma, and the moving world spread far and wide.
Thou fittest them for living, - at your glad carouse - looking upon all beings. Thou art waxing great.

7On all sides, Soma, be to us a Guardian ne’er to be deceived.
King, drive away our foemen - at your glad carouse: - let not the wicked rule us. Thou art waxing great.

8Be watchful, Soma, passing wise, to give us store of vital strength.
More skilled than man to guide us, - at your glad carouse - save us from harm and sorrow. Thou art waxing great.

9Chief slayer of our foemen, thou, Indu, art Indra’s gracious Friend,
When warriors invoke him - at your glad carouse - in fight, to win them offspring. Thou art waxing great.

10Victorious is this gladdening drink: to Indra dear it grows in strength.
This - at your glad carouse - enhanced the mighty hymn of the great sage Kaksivan. Thou art waxing great.

11This to the sage who offers gifts brings power that comes from wealth in kine.
This, better than the seven, hath - at your glad carouse - furthered the blind, the cripple. Thou art waxing great.

1Forward upon their way proceed the ready teams, the lovely songs.
Further them glorious Pusan with yoked chariot, and the Mighty Twain!

2With sacred hymns let this man here, this singer, win the God to whom
Belong this majesty and might. He hath observed our eulogies.

3Pusan the Strong hath knowledge of sweet praises even as Indu hath.
He dews our corn with moisture, he bedews the pasture of our kine.

4We will bethink ourselves of thee, O Pusan, O thou God, as One.
Who brings fulfilment of our hymns, and stirs the singer and the sage.

5Joint-sharer of each sacrifice, the driver of the chariot steeds;
The Rsi who is good to man, the singer’s Friend and faithful Guard.

6One who is Lord of Suca, Lord of Suca caring for herself:
Weaving the raiment of the sheep and making raiment beautiful.

7The mighty Lord of spoil and wealth, Strong Friend of all prosperity;
He with light movement shakes his beard, lovely and ne’er to be deceived.

8O Pusan, may those goats of thine turn hitherward thy chariot-pole.
Friend of all suppliants; art thou, born in old time, and arm and sure.

9May the majestic Pusan speed our chariot with his power and might.
May he increase our store of wealth and listen to this call of ours.

1This, singer, is my firm determination, to aid the worshipper who pours the Soma.
I slay the man who brings no milk oblation, unrighteous, powerful, the truth’s perverter.

2Then Will I, when I lead my friends to battle against the radiant persons of the godless,
Prepare for thee at home a vigorous bullock, and pour for thee the fifteen-fold strong juices.

3I know not him who sayeth and declareth that he hath slain the godless in the battle.
Soon as they see the furious combat raging, men speak forth praises of my vigorous horses.

4While yet my deeds of might were unrecorded, all passed for Maghavans though I existed.
The potent one who dwelt in peace I conquered, grasped by the foot and slew him on the mountain.

5None hinder me in mine heroic exploits, no, not the mountains when I will and purpose.
Even the deaf will tremble at my roaring, and every day will dust be agitated.

6To see the Indraless oblation-drinkers, mean offerers, o’ertaken by destruction!
Then shall the fellies of my car pass over those who have blamed my joyous Friend and scorned him.

7Thou wast, thou grewest to full vital vigour: an earlier saw, a later one shall see thee.
Two canopies, as ’twere, are round about him who reacheth to the limit of this region.

8The freed kine eat the barley of the pious. I saw them as they wandered with the herdsman.
The calling of the pious rang around them. What portion will these kine afford their owner?

9When we who eat the grass of men are gathered I am with barley-eaters in the corn-land.
There shall the captor yoke the yokeless bullock, and he who hath been yoked seek one to loose him.

10There wilt thou hold as true my spoken purpose, to bring together quadrupeds. and bipeds.
I will divide, without a fight, his riches who warreth here, against the Bull, with women.

11When a man’s daughter hath been ever eyeless, who, knowing, will be wroth with her for blindness?
Which of the two will loose on him his anger - the man who leads her home or he who woos her?

12How many a maid is pleasing to the suitor who fain would marry for her splendid riches?
If the girl be both good and fair of feature, she finds herself a friend among the people.

13His feet have grasped: he eats the man who meets him. Around his head he sets the head for shelter.
Sitting anear and right above he smites us, and follows earth that lies spread out beneath him.

14High, leafless, shadowless, and swift is Heaven: the Mother stands, the Youngling, loosed, is feeding.
Loud hath she lowed, licking Another’s offspring. In what world hath the Cow laid down her udder?

15Seven heroes from the nether part ascended, and from the upper part came eight together.
Nine from behind came armed with winnowing-baskets: ten from the front pressed o’er the rock’s high ridges.

16One of the ten, the tawny, shared in common, they send to execute their final purpose.
The Mother carries on her breast the Infant of noble form and soothes it while it knows not.

17The Heroes dressed with fire the fatted wether: the dice were thrown by way of sport and gaming.
Two reach the plain amid the heavenly waters, hallowing and with means of purifying.

18Crying aloud they ran in all directions: One half of them will cook, and not the other.
To me hath Savitar, this God, declared it: He will perform, whose food is wood and butter.

19I saw a troop advancing from the distance moved, not by wheels but their own God-like nature.
The Friendly One seeks human generations, destroying, still new bands of evil beings.

20These my two Bulls, even Pramara’s, are harnessed: drive them not far; here let them often linger.
The waters even shall aid him to his object, and the all-cleansing Sun who is above us.

21This is the thunder-bolt which often whirleth down from the lofty misty realm of Súrya.
Beyond this realm there is another glory so through old age they pass and feel no sorrow.

22Bound fast to every tree the cow is lowing, and thence the man-consuming birds are flying,
Then all this world, though pressing juice for Indra and strengthening the Rsi, is affrighted.

23In the Gods’ mansion stood the first-created, and from their separation came the later.
Three warm the Earth while holding stores of water, and Two of these convey the murmuring moisture.

24This is thy life: and do thou mark and know it. As such, hide not thyself in time of battle.
He manifests the light and hides the vapour: his foot is never free from robes that veil it.

1Now all my other friends are here assembled: my Sire-in-law alone hath not come hither.
So might he eat the grain and drink the Soma, and, satisfied, return unto his dwelling.

2Loud belloweth the Bull whose horns are sharpened: upon the height above earth’s breadth he standeth.
That man I guard and save in all his troubles who fills my flanks when he hath shed the Soma.

3Men with the stone press out for thee, O Indra, strong, gladdening Soma, and thereof thou drinkest.
Bulls they dress for thee, and of these thou eatest when, Maghavan, with food thou art invited.

4Resolve for me, O singer, this my riddle: The rivers send their swelling water backward:
The fox steals up to the approaching lion: the jackal drives the wild-boar from the brushwood.

5How shall I solve this riddle, I, the simple, declare the thought of thee the Wise and Mighty?
Tell us, well knowing, as befits the season: Whitherward is thy prosperous car advancing?

6Thus do they magnify me, me the mighty higher than even high heaven is my car-pole.
I all at once demolish many thousands: my Sire begot me with no foe to match me.

7Yea, and the Gods have known me also, Indra, as mighty, fierce and strong in every exploit.
Exulting with the bolt I slaughtered Vrtra, and for the offerer opened with might the cow-stall.

8The Deities approached, they carried axes; splitting the wood they came with their attendants.
They laid good timber in the fire-receivers, and burnt the grass up where they found it growing.

9The hare hath swallowed up the opposing razor: I sundered with a clod the distant mountain.
The great will I make subject to the little: the calf shall wax in strength and eat the bullock.

10There hath the strong-winged eagle left his talon, as a snared lion leaves the trap that caught him.
Even the wild steer in his thirst is captured: the leather strap still holds his foot entangled.

11So may the leather strap their foot entangle who fatten on the viands of the Bráhman.
They all devour the bulls set free to wander, while they themselves destroy their bodies’ vigour.

12They were well occupied with holy duties who sped in person with their lauds to Soma.
Speaking like man, mete to us wealth and booty: in heaven thou hast the name and fame of Hero.

1As sits the young bird on the tree rejoicing, ye, swift Pair, have been roused by clear laudation,
Whose Herald-Priest through many days is Indra, earth’s Guardian, Friend of men, the best of Heroes.

2May we, when this Dawn and the next dance hither, be thy best servants, most heroic Hero!
Let the victorious car with triple splendour bring hitherward the hundred chiefs with Kutsa.

3What was the gladdening draught that pleased thee, Indra? Speed through our doors to songs, for thou art mighty.
Why comest thou to me, what gift attracts thee? fain would I bring thee food most meet to offer.

4Indra, what fame hath one like thee mid heroes? With what plan wilt thou act? Why hast thou sought us?
As a true Friend, Wide-Strider! to sustain us, since food absorbs the thought of each among us.

5Speed happily those, as Súrya ends his journey, who meet his wish as bridegrooms meet their spouses;
Men who present, O Indra strong by nature, with food the many songs that tell thy praises.

6Thine are two measures, Indra, wide - well meted, heaven for thy majesty, earth for thy wisdom.
Here for thy choice are Somas mixed with butter: may the sweet meath be pleasant for thy drinking.

7They have poured out a bowl to him, to Indra, full of sweet juice, for faithful is his bounty.
O’er earth’s expanse hath he grown great by wisdom, the Friend of man, and by heroic exploits.

8Indra hath conquered in his wars, the Mighty: men strive in multitudes to win his friendship.
Ascend thy chariot as it were in battle, which thou shalt drive to us with gracious favour.

1As ’twere with swift exertion of the spirit, let the priest speed to the celestial Waters,
The glorious food of Váruna and Mitra. To him who spreadeth far this laud I offer.

2Adhvaryus, be ye ready with oblations,, and come with longing to the longing Waters,
Down on which looks the purple-tinted Eagle. Pour ye that flowing wave this day, deft-handed.

3Go to the reservoir, O ye Adhvaryus worship the Waters’ Child with your oblations.
A consecrated wave he now will give you, so press for him the Soma rich in sweetness.

4He who shines bright in floods, unfed with fuel, whom sages worship at their sacrifices:
Give waters rich in sweets, Child of the Waters, even those which gave heroic might to Indra:

5Those in which Soma joys and is delighted, as a young man with fair and pleasant damsels.
Go thou unto those Waters, O Adhvaryu, and purify with herbs what thou infusest.

6So maidens bow before the youthful gallant who comes with love to them who yearn to meet him.
In heart accordant and in wish one-minded are the Adhvaryus and the heavenly Waters.

7He who made room for you when fast imprisoned, who freed you from the mighty imprecation, -
Even to that Indra send the meath-rich current, the wave that gratifies the Gods, O Waters.

8Send forth to him the meath-rich wave, O Rivers, which is your offspring and a well of sweetness,
Oil-balmed, to be implored at sacrifices. Ye wealthy Waters, hear mine invocation.

9Send forth the rapture-giving wave, O Rivers, which Indra drinks, which sets the Twain in motion;
The well that springeth from the clouds, desirous, that wandereth triple-formed, distilling transport.

10These winding Streams which with their double current, like cattle-raiders, seek the lower pastures, -
Waters which dwell together, thrive together, Queens, Mothers of the world, these, Rsi, honour.

11Send forth our sacrifice with holy worship send forth the hymn and prayer for gain of riches.
For need of sacrifice disclose the udder. Give gracious hearing to our call, O Waters.

12For, wealthy Waters, ye control all treasures: ye bring auspicious intellect and Amrta.
Ye are the Queens of independent riches Sarasvati give full life to the singer!

13When I behold the Waters coming hither, carrying with them milk and mcath and butter,
Bearing the well-pressed Soma juice to Indra, they harmonize in spirit with Adhvaryus.

14Rich, they are come with wealth for living beings, O friends, Adhvaryus, seat them in their places.
Seat them on holy grass, ye Soma-bringers in harmony with the Offspring of the Waters.

15Now to this grass are come the longing Waters: the Pious Ones are seated at our worship.
Adhvaryus, press the Soma juice for Indra so will the service of the Gods be easy.

1May benediction of the Gods approach us, holy, to aid us with all rapid succours.
Therewith may we be happily befriended, and pass triumphant over all our troubles.

2A man should think on wealth and strive to win it by adoration on the path of Order,
Counsel himself with his own mental insight, and grasp still nobler vigour with his spirit.

3The hymn is formed, poured are the allotted portions: as to a ford friends come unto the Wondrous.
We have obtained the power of case and comfort, we haVe become acquainted, with Immortals.

4Pleased be the Eternal Lord who loves the household with this man whom God Savitar created.
May Bhaga Aryaman grace him with cattle: may he appear to him, and be delightful.

5Like the Dawns’ dwelling-place be this assembly, where in their might men rich in food have gathered.
Striving to share the praises of this singer. To us come strengthening and effectual riches!

6This Bull’s most gracious far-extended favour existed first of all in full abundance.
By his support they are maintained in common who in the Asura’s mansion dwell together.

7What was the tree, what wood, in sooth, produced it, from which they fashioned forth the Earth and Heaven?
These Twain stand fast and wax not old for ever: these have sung praise to many a day and morning.

8Not only here is this: more is beyond us. He is the Bull, the Heaven’s and Earth’s supporter.
With power divine he makes his skin a filter, when the Bay Coursers bear him on as Súrya.

9He passes o’er the broad earth like a Stega: he penetrates the world as Wind the mist-cloud.
He, balmed with oil, near Váruna and Mitra, like Agni in the wood, hath shot forth splendour.

10When suddenly called the cow that erst was barren, she, self-protected, ended all her troubles.
Earth, when the first son sprang from sire and mother, cast up the gami, that which men were seeking.

11To Nrsad’s son they gave the name of Kainva, and he the brown-hued courser won the treasure.
For him dark-coloured streamed the shining udder: none made it swell for him. Thus Order willed it.

1Forth speed the Pair to bring the meditating God, benevolent with boons sent in return for boons.
May Indra graciously accept both gifts from us, when he hath knowledge of the flowing Soma juice.

2Thou wanderest far, O Indra, through the spheres of light and realms of earth, the region, thou whom many praise!
Let those who often bring their solemn rites conquer the noisy babblers who present no gifts.

3More beautiful than beauty must this seem to me, when the son duly careth for his parents’ line.
The wife attracts the husband: with a shout of joy the man’s auspicious marriage is performed aright.

4This beauteous place of meeting have I looked upon, where, like milch-cows, the kine order the marriage train;
Where the Herd’s Mother counts as first and best of all, and round her are the seven-toned people of the choir.

5The Pious One hath reached your place before the rest: One only moves victorious with the Rudras’ band.
To these your helpers pour our meath, Immortal Gods, with whom your song of praise hath power to win their gifts.

6He who maintains the Laws of God informed me that thou wast lying hidden in the waters.
Indra, who knoweth well, beheld and showed thee. By him instructed am I come, O Agni.

7The stranger asks the way of him who knows it: taught by the skilful guide he travels onward.
This is, in truth, the blessing of instruction: he finds the path that leads directly forward.

8Even now he breathed: these days hath he remembered. Concealed, he sucked the bosom of his Mother.
Yet in his youth old age hath come upon him: he hath grown gracious, good, and free from anger.

9O Kálasa, all these blessings will we bring them, O Kurusravana, who give rich presents.
May he, O wealthy princes, and this Soma which I am bearing in my heart, reward you.

1The urgings of the people have impelled me, and by the nearest way I bring you Pusan.
The Universal Gods have brought me safely. The cry was heard, Behold, Dubsasu cometh!

2The ribs that compass me give pain and trouble me like rival wives.
Indigence, nakedness, exhaustion press me sore: my mind is fluttering like a bird’s.

3As rats eat weavers’ threads, cares are consuming me, thy singer, Gatakratu, me.
Have mercy on us once, O Indra, Bounteous Lord: be thou a Father unto us.

4I the priests’ Rsi chose as prince most liberal Kurusravana,
The son of Trasadasyu’s son,

5Whose three bays harnessed to the car bear me straight onward: I will laud
The giver of a thousand meeds,

6The sire of Upamasravas, even him whose words were passing sweet,
As a fair field is to its lord.

7Mark, Upamasravas, his son, mark, grandson of Mitratithi:
I am thy father’s eulogist.

8If I controlled Immortal Gods, yea, even were I Lord of men,
My liberal prince were living still.

9None lives, even had he hundred lives, beyond the statute of the Gods
So am I parted from my friend.

1Sprung from tall trees on windy heights, these rollers transport me as they turn upon the table.
The enlivening Vibhidaka has pleased me like the draught of Soma from Mujavant.

2She never vexed me nor was angry with me, but to my friends and me was ever gracious.
For the dice sake, whose single point is final, mine own devoted wife I alienated.

3My wife holds me aloof, her mother hates me: the wretched man finds none to give him comfort.
As of a costly horse grown old and feeble, I find not any profit of the gamester.

4Others caress the wife of him whose riches the dice hath coveted, that rapid courser:
Of him speak father, mother, brothers saying, We know him not: bind him and take him with you.

5When I resolve to play with these no longer, my friends depart from me and leave me lonely.
When the brown dice, thrown on the board, have rattled, like a fond girl I seek the place of meeting.

6The gamester seeks the gambling-house, and wonders, his body all afire, Shall I be lucky?
Still do the dice extend his eager longing, staking his gains against his adversary.

7Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe.
They give frail gifts and then destroy the man who wins, thickly anointed with the player’s fairest good.

8Merrily sports their troop, the three-and-fifty, like Savitar the God whose ways are faithful.
They bend not even to the mighty’s anger: the King himself pays homage and reveres them.

9Downward they roll, and then spring quickly upward, and, handless, force the man with hands to serve them.
Cast on the board, like lumps of magic charcoal, though cold themselves they burn the heart to ashes.

10The gambler’s wife is left forlorn and wretched: the mother mourns the son who wanders homeless.
In constant fear, in debt, and seeking riches, he goes by night unto the home of others.

11Sad is the gambler when he sees a matron, another’s wife, and his well-ordered dwelling.
He yokes the brown steeds in the early morning, and when the fire is cold sinks down an outcast.

12To the great captain of your mighty army, who hath become the host’s imperial leader,
To him I show my ten extended fingers: I speak the truth. No wealth am I withholding.

13Play not with dice: no, cultivate thy corn-land. Enjoy the gain, and deem that wealth sufficient.
There are thy cattle there thy wife, O gambler. So this good Savitar himself hath told me.

14Make me your friend: show us some little mercy. Assail us not with your terrific fierceness.
Appeased be your malignity and anger, and let the brown dice snare some other captive.

1These fires associate with Indra are awake, bringing their light when first the Dawn begins to shine.
May Heaven and Earth, great Pair, observe our holy work. We claim for us this day the favour of the Gods.

2Yea, for ourselves we claim the grace of Heaven and Earth, of Saryanavan, of the Hills and Mother Streams.
For innocence we pray to Súrya and to Dawn. So may the flowing Soma bring us bliss to-day.

3May the great Twain, the Mothers, Heaven and Earth, this day preserve us free from sin for peace and happiness.
May Morning sending forth her light drive sin afar. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity.

4May this first Dawn bring us the host of gracious Gods: rich, may it richly shine for us who strive for wealth.
The wrath of the malignant may we keep afar. We pray to kindled Agni for feilicity.

5Dawns, who come forward with the bright beams of the Sun, and at your earliest flushing bring to us the light,
Shine ye on us to-day auspicious, for renown. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity.

6Free from all sickness may the Mornings come to us, and let our fires mount upward with a lofty blaze.
The Asvin Pair have harnessed their swift-moving car. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity.

7Send us to-day a portion choice and excellent, O Savitar, for thou art he who dealeth wealth.
I cry to Dhisana, Mother of opulence. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity.

8Further me this declaring of Eternal Law, the Law of Gods, as we mortals acknowledge it!
The Sun goes up beholding all the rays of morn. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity.

9This day we pray with innocence in strewing grass, adjusting pressing-stones, and perfecting the hymn.
Thou in the Ádityas’ keeping movest restlessly. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity.

10To our great holy grass I bid the Gods at morn to banquet, and will seat them as the seven priests, -
Váruna, Indra, Mitra, Bhaga for our gain. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity.

11Come hither, O Ádityas, for our perfect weal: accordant help our sacrifice that we may thrive.
Pusan, Brhaspati, Bhaga, both Asvins, and enkindled Agni we implore for happiness.

12Ádityas, Gods, vouchsafe that this our home may be praise-worthy, prosperous, our heroes’ sure defence,
For cattle, for our sons, for progeny, for life. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity.

13This day may all the Maruts, all be near us with aid: may all our fires be well enkindled.
May all Gods come to us with gracious favour. May spoil and wealth he ours, and all possessions.

14He whom ye aid, O Deities, in battle, whom ye protect and rescue from affliction,
Who fears no danger at your milk-libation, - such may we be to feast the Gods, ye Mighty.

1There are the Dawn and Night, the grand and beauteous Pair, Earth, Heaven, and Váruna, Mitra, and Aryaman.
Indra I call, the Maruts, Mountains, and the Floods, Ádityas, Heaven and Earth, the Waters, and the Sky.

2May Dyaus and Prthivi, wise, true to Holy Law, keep us in safety from distress and injury.
Let not malignant Nirrti rule over us. We crave to-day this gracious favour of the Gods.

3Mother of Mitra and of opulent Váruna, may Aditi preserve us safe from all distress.
May we obtain the light of heaven without a foe. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day.

4May ringing press-stones keep the Raksasas afar, ill dream, and Nirrti, and each voracious fiend.
May the Ádityas and the Maruts shelter us. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day.

5Full flow libations; on our grass let Indra sit; Brhaspati the singer laud with Sama hymns!
Wise be our hearts’ imaginings that we may live. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day.

6Ye Asvins, make our sacrifice ascend to heaven, and animate the rite that it may send us bliss,
Offered with holy oil, with forward-speeding rein. We crave the gracious favour of the Gods to-day.

7Hither I call the band of Maruts, swift to hear, great, purifying, bringing bliss, to be our Friends.
May we increase our wealth to glorify our name. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day.

8We bring the Stay of Life, who makes the waters swell, swift-hearing, Friend of Gods, who waits on sacrifice.
May we control that Power, Soma whose rays are bright. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day.

9Alive ourselves, with living sons, devoid of guilt, may we win this with winners by fair means to win.
Let the prayer-haters bear our sin to every side. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day.

10Hear us, O ye who claim the worship of mankind, and give us, O ye Gods, the gift for which we pray,
Victorious wisdom, fame with heroes and with wealth. We crave to-day this gracious favour of the Gods.

11We crave the gracious favour of the Gods to-day, great favour of great Gods, sublime and free from foes,
That we may gain rich treasure sprung from hero sons. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day.

12In great enkindled Agni’s keeping, and, for bliss, free from all sin before Mitra and Váruna.
May we share Savitar’s best animating help. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day.

13All ye, the Gods whom Savitar the Father of truth, and Váruna and Mitra govern,
Give us prosperity with hero children, and opulence in kine and various treasure.

14Savitar, Savitar from east and westward, Savitar, Savitar from north and southward,
Savitar send us perfect health and comfort, Savitar let our days of life be lengthened!

1Do homage unto Váruna’s and Mitra’s Eye: offer this solemn worship to the Mighty God,
Who seeth far away, the Ensign, born of Gods. Sing praises unto Súrya, to the Son of Dyaus.

2May this my truthful speech guard me on every side wherever heaven and earth and days are spread abroad.
All else that is in motion finds a place of rest: the waters ever flow and ever mounts the Sun.

3No godless man from time remotest draws thee down when thou art driving forth with winged dappled Steeds.
One lustre waits upon thee moving to the east, and, Súrya, thou arisest with a different light.

4O Súrya, with the light whereby thou scatterest gloom, and with thy ray impellest every moving thing,
Keep far from us all feeble, worthless sacrifice, and drive away disease and every evil dream.

5Sent forth thou guardest well the Universe’s law, and in thy wonted way arisest free from wrath.
When Súrya, we address our prayers to thee to-day, may the Gods favour this our purpose and desire.

6This invocation, these our words may Heaven and Earth, and Indra and the Waters and the Maruts hear.
Ne’er may we suffer want in presence of the Sun, and, living happy lives, may we attain old age.

7Cheerful in spirit, evermore, and keen of sight, with store of children, free from sickness and from sin,
Long-living, may we look, O Súrya, upon thee uprising day by day, thou great as Mitra is!

8Súrya, may we live long and look upon thee still, thee, O Far-seeing One, bringing the glorious light,
The radiant God, the spring of joy to every eye, as thou art mounting up o’er the high shining flood.

9Thou by whose lustre all the world of life comes forth, and by thy beams again returns unto its rest,
O Súrya with the golden hair, ascend for us day after day, still bringing purer innocence.

10Bless us with shine, bless us with perfect daylight, bless us with cold, with fervent heat and lustre.
Bestow on us, O Súrya, varied riches, to bless us in our home and when we travel.

11Gods, to our living creatures of both kinds vouchsafe protection, both to bipeds and to quadrupeds,
That they may drink and eat invigorating food. So grant us health and strength and perfect innocence.

12If by some grievous sin we have provoked the Gods, O Deities, with the tongue or thoughtlessness of heart,
That guilt, O Vasus, lay upon the Evil One, on him who ever leads us into deep distress.

1O Indra, in this battle great and glorious, in this loud din of war help us to victory,
Where in the strife for kine among bold ring-decked men arrows fly all around and heroes are subdued.

2At home disclose to us opulence rich in food, streaming with milk, O Indra, meet to be renowned.
Sakra, may we be thine, the friendly Conqueror’s: even as we desire, O Vasu, so do thou.

3The godless man, much-lauded Indra, whether he be Dasa or be Arya, who would war with us, -
Easy to conquer he for thee, with us, these foes: with thee may we subdue them in the clash of fight.

4Him who must be invoked by many and by few, who standeth nigh with comfort in the war of men,
Indra, famed Hero, winner in the deadly strife, let us bring hitherward to-day to favour us.

5For, Indra, I have heard thee called Self. capturer, One, Steer! who never yields, who urges even the churl.
Release thyself from Kutsa and come hither. How shall one like thee sit still bound that he may not move?

1As ’twere the name of father, easy to invoke, we all assembled here invoke this Car of yours,
Asvins, your swiftly-rolling circumambient Car which he who worships must invoke at eve and dawn.

2Awake all pleasant strains and let the hymns flow forth: raise up abundant fulness: this is our desire.
Asvins, bestow on us a glorious heritage, and give our princes treasure fair as Soma is.

3Ye are the bliss of her who groweth old at home, and helpers of the slow although he linger last.
Men call you too, Násatyas, healers of the blind, the thin and feeble, and the man with broken bones

4Ye made Cyavana, weak and worn with length of days, young again, like a car, that he had power to move.
Ye lifted up the son of Tugra from the floods. At our libations must all these your acts be praised.

5We will declare among the folk your ancient deeds heroic; yea, ye were Physicians bringing health.
You, you who must be lauded, will we bring for aid, so that this foe of ours, O Asvins, may believe.

6Listen to me, O Asvins; I have cried to you. Give me your aid as sire and mother aid their son.
Poor, without kin or friend or ties of blood am I. Save me before it be too late, from this my curse.

7Ye, mounted on your chariot brought to Vimada the comely maid of Purumitra as a bride.
Ye came unto the calling of the weakling’s dame, and granted noble offspring to the happy wife.

8Ye gave again the vigour of his youthful life to the sage Kali when old age was coming nigh.
Ye rescued Vandana and raised him from the pit, and in a moment gave Vispala power to move.

9Ye Asvins Twain, endowed with manly strength, brought forth Reblia when hidden in the cave and well-nigh dead,
Freed Saptavadliri, and for Atri caused the pit heated with fire to be a pleasant resting-place.

10On Pedu ye bestowed, Asvins, a courser white, mighty with nine-and-ninety varied gifts of strength,
A horse to be renowned, who bore his friend at speed, joy-giving, Bhaga-like to be invoked of men.

11From no side, ye Two Kings whom none may check or stay, doth grief, distress, or danger come upon the man
Whom, Asvins swift to hear, borne on your glowing path, ye with your Consort make the foremost in the race.

12Come on that Chariot which the Rbhus wrought for you, the Chariot, Asvins, that is speedier than thought,
At harnessing whereof Heaven’s Daughter springs to birth, and from Vivasván come auspicious Night and Day.

13Come, Conquerors of the sundered mountain, to our home, Asvins who made the cow stream milk for Sayu’s sake,
Ye who delivered even from the wolf’s deep throat and set again at liberty the swallowed quail.

14We have prepared this laud for you, O Asvins, and, like the Bhrgus, as a car have framed it,
Have decked it as a maid to meet the bridegroom, and brought it as a son, our stay for ever.

1Your radiant Chariot - whither goes it on its way? - who decks it for you, Heroes, for its happy course,
Starting at daybreak, visiting each morning every house, borne hitherward through prayer unto the sacrifice?

2Where are ye, Asvins, in the evening, where at morn? Where is your halting-place, where rest ye for the night?
Who brings you homeward, as the widow bed-ward draws her husband’s brother, as the bride attracts the groom?

3Early ye sing forth praise as with a herald’s voice, and, meet for worship, go each morning to the house.
Whom do ye ever bring to ruin? Unto whose libations come ye, Heroes, like two Sons of Kings?

4Even as hunters follow two wild elephants, we with oblations call you down at morn and eve.
To folk who pay you offierings at appointed times, Chiefs, Lords of splendour, ye bring food to strengthen them.

5To you, O Asvins, came the daughter of a King, Ghosa, and said, O Heroes, this I beg of you:
Be near me in the day, he near me in the night: help me to gain a car-borne chieftain rich in steeds.

6O Asvins, ye are wise: as Kutsa comes to men, bring your car nigh the folk of him who sings your praise.
The bee, O Asvins, bears your honey in her mouth, as the maid carries it purified in her hand.

7To Bhujyu and to Vasa ye come near with help, O Asvins, to Sinjara and to Usana.
Your worshipper secures your friendship for himself. Through your protection I desire felicity.

8Krsa and Sayu ye protect, ye Asvins Twain: ye Two assist the widow and the worshipper;
And ye throw open, Asvins, unto those who win the cattle-stall that thunders with its sevenfold mouth.

9The Woman hath brought forth, the Infant hath appeared, the plants of wondrous beauty straightway have sprung up.
To him the rivers run as down a deep descent, and he this day becomes their master and their lord.

10They mourn the living, cry aloud, at sacrifice: the men have set their thoughts upon a distant cast.
A lovely thing for fathers who have gathered here, - a joy to husbands, - are the wives their arms shall clasp

11Of this we have no knowledge. Tell it forth to us, now the youth rests within the chambers of the bride.
Fain would we reach the dwelling of the vigorous Steer who loves the kine, O Asvins: this is our desire.

12Your favouring grace hath come, ye Lords of ample wealth: Asvins, our longings are stored up within your hearts.
Ye, Lords of splendour, have become our twofold guard: may we as welcome friends reach Aryaman’s abode.

13Even so, rejoicing in the dwelling-place of man, give hero sons and riches to the eloquent.
Make a ford, Lords of splendour, where men well may drink: remove the spiteful tree-stump standing in the path.

14O Asvins, Wonder-Workers, Lords of lustre, where and with what folk do ye delight yourselves to-day?
Who hath detained them with him? Whither are they gone? Unto what sage’s or what worshipper’s abode?

1That general Car of yours, invoked by many a man, that comes to our libations, three-wheeled, meet for lauds,
That circumambient Car, worthy of sacrifice, we call with our pure hymns at earliest flush of dawn.

2Ye, O Násatyas, mount that early-harnessed Car, that travels early, laden with its freight of balm,
Wherewith ye, Heroes, visit clans who sacrifice, even the poor man’s worship where the priest attends.

3If to the deft Adhvaryu with the meath in hand, or to the Kindler firm in strength, the household friend,
Or to the sage’s poured libations ye approach, come thence, O Asvins, now to drink the offered meath.

1Even as an archer shoots afar his arrow, offer the laud to him with meet adornment.
Quell with your voice the wicked’s voice, O sages. Singer, make Indra rest beside the Soma.

2Draw thy Friend to thee like a cow at milking: O Singer, wake up Indra as a lover.
Make thou the Hero haste to give us riches even as a vessel filled brimful with treasure.

3Why, Maghavan, do they call thee Bounteous; Giver? Quicken me: thou, I hear, art he who quickens.
Sakra, let my intelligence be active, and bring us luck that finds great wealth, O Indra.

4Standing, in battle for their rights, together, the people, Indra, in the fray invoke thee.
Him who brings gifts the Hero makes his comrade: with him who pours no juice he seeks not friendship.

5Whoso with plenteous food for him expresses strong Somas as much quickly-coming treasure,
For him he overthrows in early morning his swift well-weaponed foes, and slays the tyrant.

6He unto whom we offer praises, Indra, Maghavan, who hath joined to ours his wishes, -
Before him even afar the foe must tremble: low before him must bow all human glories.

7With thy fierce bolt, O God invoked of many, drive to a distance from afar the foeman.
O Indra, give us wealth in corn and cattle, and make thy singer’s prayer gain strength and riches.

8Indra, the swallower of strong libations rich in the boons they bring, the potent Somas,
He, Maghavan, will not restrict his bounty he brings much wealth unto the Soma-presser.

9Yea, by superior play he wins advantage, when he, a gambler, piles his gains in season.
Celestial-natured, he o’erwhelms with riches the devotee who keeps not back his treasure.

10O Much-invoked, may we subdue all famine and evil want with store of grain and cattle.
May we allied, as first in rank, with princes obtain possessions by our own exertion.

11Brhaspati protect us from the rearward, and from above, and from below, from sinners!
May Indra from the front, and from the centre, as Friend to friends, vouchsafe us room and freedom.

1In perfect unison all yearning hymns of mine that find the light of heaven have sung forth Indra’s praise.
As wives embrace their lord, the comely bridegroom, so they compass Maghavan about that he may help.

2Directed unto thee my spirit never strays, for I have set my hopes on thee, O Much-invoked!
Sit, Wonderful! as King upon the sacred grass, and let thy drinking-place be by the Soma juice.

3From indigence and hunger Indra turns away: Maghavan hath dominion over precious wealth.
These the Seven Rivers flowing on their downward path increase the vital vigour of the potent Steer.

4As on the fair-leafed tree rest birds, to Indra flow the gladdening Soma juices that the bowls contain.
Their face that glows with splendour through their mighty power hath found the shine of heaven for man, the Aryas’ light.

5As in the game a gambler piles his winnings, so Maghavan, sweeping all together, gained the Sun;
This mighty deed of thine none other could achieve, none, Maghavan, before thee, none in recent time.

6Maghavan came by turns to all the tribes of men: the Steer took notice of the people’s songs of praise.
The man in whose libations Sakra hath delight by means of potent Somas vanquisheth his foes.

7When Soma streams together unto Indra flow like waters to the river, rivulets to the lake,
In place of sacrifice sages exalt his might, as the rain swells the corn by moisture sent from heaven.

8He rushes through the region like a furious Bull, he who hath made these floods the dames of worthy lords.
This Maghavan hath found light for the man who brings oblation, sheds the juice, and promptly pours his gifts.

9Let the keen axe come forth together with the light: here be, as erst, the teeming cow of sacrifice.
Let the Red God shine bright with his refulgent ray, and let the Lord of heroes glow like heaven’s clear sheen.

10O Much-invoked, may we subdue all famine and evil want with store of grain and cattle.
May we allied, as first in rank, with princes obtain possessions by our own exertion.

11Brhaspati protect us from the rearward, and from above, and from below, from sinners.
May Indra from the front, and from the centre, as Friend to friends, vouchsafe us room and freedom.

1May Sovran Indra come to the carousal, he who by Holy Law is strong and active,
The overcomer of all conquering forces with his great steer-like power that hath no limit.

2Firm-seated is thy car, thy Steeds are docile; thy hand, O King, holds, firmly grasped, the thunder.
On thy fair path, O Lord of men, come quickly: we will increase thy powers when thou hast drunken.

3Let strong and mighty Steeds who bear this Mighty Indra, the Lord of men, whose arm wields thunder,
Bring unto us, as sharers of our banquet, the Steer of conquering might, of real vigour.

4So like a Bull thou rushest to the Lord who loves the trough, the Sage, the prop of vigour, in the vat,
Prepare thine energies, collect them in thyself: be for our profit as the Master of the wise.

5May precious treasures come to us - so will I pray. Come to the votary’s gift offered with beauteous laud.
Thou art the Lord, as such sit on this holy grass: thy vessels are inviolate as Law commands.

6Far went our earliest invocation of the Gods, and won us glories that can never be surpassed.
They who could not ascend the ship of sacrifice, sink down in desolation, trembling with alarm.

7So be the others, evil-hearted, far away, whose horses, difficult to harness, have been yoked.
Here in advance men stand anear to offer gifts, by whom full many a work that brings reward is done.

8He firmly fixed the plains and mountains as they shook. Dyaus thundered forth and made the air’s mid-region quake.
He stays apart the two confronting bowls; he sings lauds in the potent Soma’s joy when he hath drunk.

9I bear this deftly-fashioned goad of thine, wherewith thou, Maghavan, shalt break the strikers with the hoof.
At this libation mayest thou be well satisfied. Partake the juice, partake the worship, Maghavan.

10O Much-invoked, may we subdue all famine and evil want with store of grain and cattle.
May we allied, as first in rank, with princes obtain possessions by our own exertion.

11Brhaspati protect us from the rearward, and from above, and from below, from sinners.
May Indra from the front and from the centre, as Friend to friends, vouchsafe us room and freedom.

1First Agni sprang to life from out of Heaven: the second time from us came Játavedas.
Thirdly the Manly-souled was in the waters. The pious lauds and kindles him the Eternal.

2Agni, we know thy three powers in three stations, we know thy forms in many a place divided.
We know what name supreme thou hast in secret: we know the source from which thou hast proceeded.

3The Manly-souled lit thee in sea and waters, man’s Viewer lit thee in the breast of heaven,
There as thou stoodest in the third high region the Steers increased thee in the water’s bosom.

4Agni roared out, like Dyaus what time he thunders: he licked the ground about the plants he flickered.
At once, when born, he looked around enkindled, and lightened heaven and earth within with splendour.

5The spring of glories and support of riches, rouser of thoughts and guardian of the Soma,
Good Son of Strength, a King amid the waters, in forefront of the Dawns he shines enkindled.

6Germ of the world, ensign of all creation, be sprang to life and filled the earth and heavens.
Even the firm rock he cleft when passing over, when the Five Tribes brought sacrifice to Agni.

7So among mortals was Immortal Agni stablished as holy wise and willing envoy.
He waves the red smoke that he lifts above him, striving to reach the heavens with radiant lustre.

8Like gold to look on, far he shone refulgent, beaming imperishable life for glory,
Agni by vital powers became immortal when his prolific Father Dyaus begat him.

9Whoso this day, O God whose flames are lovely, prepares a cake, O Agni, mixt with butter,
Lead thou and further him to higher fortune, to bliss bestowed by Gods, O thou Most Youthful.

10Endow him, Agni, with a share of glory, at every song of praise sung forth enrich him.
Dear let him be to Súrya, dear to Agni, preeminent with son and children’s children.

11While, Agni, day by day men pay thee worship they win themselves all treasures worth the wishing.
Allied with thee, eager and craving riches, they have disclosed the stable filled with cattle.

12Agni, the Friend of men, the Soma’s keeper, Vaisvánara, hath been lauded by the Rsis.
We will invoke benignant Earth and Heaven: ye Deities, give us wealth with hero children.

1Stablished for thee, to lend thee vital forces, Giver of wealth, Guard of his servant’s body.
The Great Priest, born, who knows the clouds, Abider with men, is seated in the lap of waters.

2Worshipping, seeking him with adoration like some lost creature followed by its footprints,
Wise Bhrgus, yearning in their hearts, pursued him, and found him lurking where the floods are gathered.

3On the Cow’s forehead, with laborious searching, Trita, the offspring of Vibhiavas, found him.
Born in our houses, Youthful, joy-bestower, he now becomes the central point of brightness.

4Yearning, with homage, they have set and made him the Priest among mankind, oblation-bearer,
Leader of rites and Purifier, envoy of men, as sacrifice that still advances.

5The foolish brought the ne’er-bewildered forward, great, Victor, Song-inspirer, Fort-destroyer.
Leading the Youth gold-bearded, like a courser gleaming with wealth, they turned their hymn to profit.

6Holding his station firmly in the houses, Trita sat down within his home surrounded
Thence, as Law bids, departs the Tribes’ Companion having collected men with no compulsion.

7His are the fires, eternal, purifying, that make the houses move, whose smoke is shining,
White, waxing in their strength, for ever stirring, and sitting in the wood; like winds are Somas.

8The tongue of Agni bears away the praise-song, and, through his care for Earth, her operations.
Him, bright and radiant, living men have stablished as their blithe Priest, the Chief of Sacrificers.

9That Agni, him whom Heaven and Earth engendered, the Waters, Tvastar, and with might, the Bhrgus,
Him Mátarisvan and the Gods have fashioned holy for man and first to be entreated.

10Agni, whom Gods have made oblation-bearer, and much-desiring men regard as holy,
Give life to him who lauds thee when he worships, and then shall glorious men in troops adore thee.

1Thy right hand have we grasped in ours, O Indra, longing for treasure, Treasure-Lord of treasures!
Because we know thee, Hero, Lord of cattle: vouchsafe us mighty and resplendent riches.

2Wealth, fully armed, good guard and kind protector, sprung from four seas, the prop and stay of treasures,
Fraught with great bounties, meet for praise and glory; vouchsafe us mighty and resplendent riches.

3Wealth, with good Bráhmans, Indra! God-attended, high, wide, and deep, arid based on broad foundations,
Strong, with famed Rsis, conquering our foemen: vouchsafe us mighty and resplendent riches.

4Victorious, winning strength, with hero sages, confirmed in power, most useful, wealth-attracting,
True, Indra! crushing forts and slaying Dasyus: vouchsafe us mighty and resplendent riches.

5Wealthy in heroes and in cars and horses, strength hundredfold and thousand-fold, O Indra,
With manly sages, happy troops, fight-winning: vouchsafe us mighty and resplentdent riches.

6To Saptagu the sage, the holy-minded, to him, Brhaspati, the song approaches,
Angiras’ Son who must be met with homage: vouchsafe us mighty and reslendent riches.

7My lauds, like envoys, craving loving-kindness, go forth to Indra with their strong entreaty,
Moving his heart and uttered by my spirit: vouchsafe us mighty and resplendent riches.

8Grant us the boon for which I pray, O Indra, a spacious home unmatched among the people.
To this may Heaven and Earth accord approval: vouchsafe us mighty and resplendent riches.

1I Was the first possessor of all precious gear: the wealth of every man I win and gather up.
On me as on a Father living creatures call; I deal enjoyment to the man who offers gifts.

2I, Indra, am Atharvan’s stay and firm support: I brought forth kine to Trita from the Dragon’s grasp.
I stripped the Dasyus of their manly might, and gave the cattle-stalls to Matarigvan and Dadhyac.

3For me hath Tvastar forged the iron thunder-bolt: in me the Gods have centred intellectual power.
My sheen is like the Sun’s insufferably bright: men honour me as Lord for past and future deeds.

4I won myself these herds of cattle, steeds and kine, and gold in ample store, with my destructive bolt.
I give full many a thousand to the worshipper, what time the Somas and the lauds have made me glad.

5Indra am I none ever wins my wealth from me never at any time am I a thrall to death.
Pressing the Soma, ask riches from me alone: ye, Purus, in my friendship shall not suffer harm.

6These, breathing loud in fury, two and two, who caused Indra to bring his bolt of thunder to the fray,
The challengers, I struck with deadly weapon down: firm stand what words the God speaks to his worshippers.

7This One by stronger might I conquered singly; yea, also two: shall three prevail against me?
Like many sheaves upon the floor I thrash them. How can my foes, the Indraless, revile me?

8Against the Gungus I made Atithigva strong, and kept him mid the folk like Vrtra-conquering strength,
When I won glory in the great foe-slaying fight, in battle where Karanja fell, and Parnaya.

9With food for mine enjoyment Sapya Nami came: he joined me as a friend of old in search of kine. As I bestowed on him an arrow for the fight I made him worthy of the song apd hymn of praise.

10One of the two hath Soma seen within it; the Herdsman with the bone shows forth the other.
He, fain to fight the Bull whose horns were sharpened, stood fettered in the demon’s ample region.

11I, as a God, ne’er violate the statutes of Gods, of Vasus, Rudriyas, Ádityas.
These Gods have formed me for auspicious vigour, unconquered and invincible for ever.

1I Have enriched the singer with surpassing wealth; I have allowed the holy hymn to strengthen me.
I, furtherer of him who offers sacrifice, have conquered in each fight the men who worship not.

2The People of the heavens, the waters, and the earth have stablished me among the Gods with Indra’s name.
I took unto myself the two swift vigorous Bays that speed on divers paths, and the fierce bolt for strength.

3With deadly blows I smote Atka for Kavi’s sake; I guarded Kutsa well with these saving helps.
As Susna’s slayer I brandished the dart of death: I gave not up the Aryan name to Dasyu foes.

4Smadibha, Tugra, and the Vetasus I gave as prey to Kutsa, father-like, to succour him.
I was a worthy King to rule the worshipper, when I gave Tuji dear inviolable gifts.

5I gave up Mrgaya to Srutarvan as his prey because he ever followed me and kept my laws.
For Ayu’s sake I caused Veta to bend and bow, and into Savya’s hand delivered Padgrbhi.

6I crushed Navavastva of the lofty car, the Dasa, as the Vrtra-slayer kills the fiends;
When straightway on the region’s farthest edge I brought the God who makes the lights to broaden and increase.

7I travel round about borne onward in my might by the fleet-footed dappled Horses of the Sun.
When man’s libation calls me to the robe of state I soon repel the powerful Dasyu with my blows.

8Stronger am I than Nabus, I who slew the seven: I glorified with might Yadu and Turvaga.
I brought another low, with strength I bent his strength: I let the mighty nine-and-ninety wax in power.

9Bull over all the streams that flow along the earth, I took the Seven Rivers as mine own domain.
I, gifted with great wisdom, spread the floods abroad: by war I found for man the way to high success.

10I set within these cows the white milk which no God, not even Tvastar’s self, had there deposited, -
Much-longed-for, in the breasts, the udders of the kine, the savoury sweets of meath, the milk and Soma juice.

11Even thus hath Indra Maghavan, truly bounteous, sped Gods and men with mighty operation.
The pious glorify all these thine exploits, Lord of Bay Coursers, Strong, and Self-resplendent.

1I Laud your Mighty One who joyeth in the juice, him who is shared by all men, who created all;
Indra, whose conquering strength is powerful in war, whose fame and manly vigour Heaven and Earth revere.

2He with his friend is active, lauded, good to man, Indra who must be glorified by one like me.
Hero, Lord of the brave, all cars are thy delight, warring with Vrtra, or for waters, or for spoil.

3Who are the men whom thou wilt further, Indra, who strive to win thy bliss allied with riches?
Who urged thee forward to exert thy power divine, to valour, in the war for waters on their fields?

4Thou, Indra, through the holy prayer art mighty, worthy of sacrifice at all libations.
In every fight thou castest heroes on the ground: thou art the noblest song, O Lord of all the folk.

5Help now, as Highest, those who toil at sacrifice: well do the people know thy great protecting might.
Thou shalt be Everlasing, Giver of success yea, on all these libations thou bestowest strength.

6All these libations thou makest effectual, of which thou art thyself supporter, Son of Power.
Therefore thy vessel is to be esteemed the best, sacrifice, holy text, prayer, and exalted speech.

7They who with flowing Soma pray to thee, O Sage, to pour on them thy gifts of opulence and wealth,
May they come forward, through their spirit, on the path of bliss, in the wild joy of Soma juice effused.

1Large was that covering, and firm of texture, folded wherein thou enteredst the waters.
One Deity alone, O Játavedas Agni, saw all thy forms in sundry places.

2What God hath seen me? Who of all their number clearly beheld my forms in many places?
Where lie, then, all the sacred logs of Agni that lead him God-ward, Váruna and Mitra?

3In many places, Agni Játavedas, we sought thee hidden in the plants and waters.
Then Yama marked thee, God of wondrous splendour! effulgent from thy tenfold secret dwelling,

4I fled in fear from sacrificial worship, Váruna, lest the Gods should thus engage me.
Thus were my forms laid down in many places. This, as my goal, I Agni saw before me.

5Come; man is pious and would fain do worship, he waits prepared: in gloom thou, Agni, dwellest.
Make pathways leading God-ward clear and easy, and bear oblations with a kindly spirit.

6This goal mine elder brothers erst selected, as he who drives a car the way to travel.
So,Váruna, I fled afar through terror, as flies the wild-bull from an archer’s bowstring.

7We give thee life unwasting, Játavedas, so that, employed, thou never shalt be injured.
So, nobly born! shalt thou with kindly spirit bear to the Gods their share of men’s oblations.

8Grant me the first oblations and the latter, entire, my forceful shares of holy presents,
The soul of plants, the fatness of the waters, and let there be long life, ye Gods, to Agni.

9Thine be the first oblations and the latter, entire, thy forceful shares of holy presents.
Let all this sacrifice be thine, O Agni, and let the world’s four regions how before thee.

1Instruct me, all ye Gods, how I, elected your Priest, must seat me here, and how address you.
Instruct me how to deal to each his portion, and by what path to bring you man’s oblation.

2I sit as Priest most skilled in sacrificing: the Maruts and all Deities impel me.
Asvins, each day yours is the Adhvaryu’s duty: Bráhman and wood are here: ’tis yours to offer.

3Who is the Priest? Is he the Priest of Yama? On whom is thrust this God-appointed honour?
He springs to life each month, each day that passes; so Gods have made him their oblation-bearer.

4The Gods have made me bearer of oblations, who slipped away and passed through many troubles.
Wise Agni shall ordain for us the worship, whether five-wayed, threefold, or seven-threaded.

5So will I win you strength and life for ever, O Gods, that I may give you room and freedom.
To Indra’s arms would I consign the thunder; in all these battles shall he then be victor.

6The Deities three hundred and thirty-nine, have served and honoured Agni,
Strewn sacred grass, anointed him with butter, and seated him as Priest, the Gods’ Invoker.

1He hath arrived, he whom we sought with longing, who skilled in sacrifice well knows its courses.
Let him discharge his sacrificial duties: let him sit down as Friend who was before Us.

2Best Priest, he hath been won by being seated, for he hath looked on the well-ordered viands.
Come, let us worship Gods who must be worshipped, and pouring oil, laud those who should be lauded.

3Now hath he made the feast of Gods effective: now have we found the secret tongue of worship.
Now hath he come, sweet, robed in vital vigour, and made our calling on the Gods effective.

4This prelude of my speech I now will utter, whereby we Gods may quell our Asura foemen.
Eaters of strengthening food who merit worship, O ye Five Tribes, be pleased with mine oblation.

5May the Five Tribes be pleased with mine oblation, and the Cow’s Sons and all who merit worship.
From earthly trouble may the earth protect us, and air’s mid realm from woe that comes from heaven.

6Spinning the thread, follow the region’s splendid light: guard thou the path ways well which wisdom hath prepared.
Weave ye the knotless labour of the bards who sing: be Manu thou, and bring the Heavenly People forth.

7Lovers of Soma, bind the chariot traces fast: set ye the reins in order and embellish them.
Bring hitherward the car with seats where eight may sit, whereon the Gods have brought the treasure that we love.

8Here flows Asmanvati: hold fast each other, keep yourselves up, and pass, my friends, the river.
There let us leave the Powers that brought no profit, and cross the flood to Powers that are auspicious.

9Tvastar, most deft of workmen, knew each magic art, bringing most blessed bowls that hold the drink of Gods.
His axe, wrought of good metal, he is sharpening now, wherewith the radiant Bráhmanaspati will cut.

10Now, O ye Sapient Ones, make ye the axes sharp wherewith ye fashion bowls to hold the Amrta.
Knowing the secret places make ye ready that whereby the Gods have gotten immortality.

11Ye with a secret tongue and dark intention laid the maiden deep within, the calf within the mouth.
They evermore are near us with their gracious help: successful is the song that strives for victory.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1Thy spirit, that went far away to Yama to Vivasván’s Son,
We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and sojourn here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1May Agni, Indra, Mitra, Váruna consent, Aryaman, Váyu, Pusan, and Sarasvati,
Ádityas, Maruts, Visnu, Soma, lofty Sky, Rudra and Aditi, and Bráhmanaspati.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9Parjanya, Váta, mighty, senders of the rain, Indra and Váyu, Váruna, Mitra, Aryaman:
We call on Aditi, Ádityas, and the Gods, those who are on the earth, in waters, and in heaven.

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

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

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

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

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

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

1I Call the Gods of lofty glory for our weal, the makers of the light, well-skilled in sacrifice;
Those who have waxen mightily, Masters of all wealth, Immortal, strengthening Law, the Gods whom Indra leads.

2For the strong band of Maruts will we frame a hymn: the chiefs shall bring forth sacrifice for Indra’s troop,
Who, sent by Indra and advised by Váruna, have gotten for themselves a share of Súrya’s light.

3May Indra with the Vasus keep our dwelling safe, and Aditi with Ádityas lend us sure defence.
May the God Rudra with the Rudras favour us, and Tvastar with the Dames further us to success.

4Aditi, Heaven and Earth, the great eternal Law, Indra, Visnu, the Maruts, and the lofty Sky.
We call upon Ádityas, on the Gods, for help, on Vasus, Rudras, Savitar of wondrous deeds.

5With Holy Thoughts Sarasván, firm-lawed Váruna, great Váyu, Pusan, Visnu, and the Asvins Twain,Lords of all wealth, Immortal, furtherers of prayer, grant us a triply-guarding refuge from distress.

6Strong be the sacrifice, strong be the Holy Ones, strong the preparers of oblation, strong the Gods.
Mighty be Heaven and Earth, true to eternal Law, strong be Parjanya, strong be they who laud the Strong.

7To win us strength I glorify the Mighty Twain, Agni and Soma, Mighty Ones whom many laud.
May these vouchsafe us shelter with a triple guard, these whom the strong have served in worship of the Gods.

8Potent, with firm-fixt laws, arranging sacrifice, visiting solemn rites in splendour of the day,
Obeying Order, these whose priest is Agni, free from falsehood, poured the waters out when Vrtra died.

9The Holy Ones engendered, for their several laws, the heavens and earth, the waters, and the plants and trees.
They filled the firmament with heavenly light for help: the Gods embodied Wish and made it beautiful.

10May they who bear up heaven, the Rbhus deft of hand, and Váta and Parjanya of the thundering Bull,
The waters and the plants, promote the songs we sing: come Bhaga, Rati, and the Vaijns to my call.

11Sindhu, the sea, the region, and the firmament, the thunder, and the ocean, Aja-Ekapád,
The Dragon of the Deep shall listen to my words, and all the Deities and Princes shall give ear.

12May we be yours, we men, to entertain the Gods: further our sacrifice and give it full success.
Ádityas, Rudras, Vasus, givers of good gifts, quicken the holy hymns which we are singing now

13I follow with success upon the path of Law the two celestial Hotars, Priests of oldest time.
We pray to him who dwelleth near, Guard of the Field, to all Immortal Gods who never are remiss.

14Vasistha’s sons have raised their voices, like their sire. Rsi-like praying to the Gods for happiness.
Like friendly-minded kinsmen, come at our desire, O Gods, and shake down treasures on us from above.

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

1This holy hymn, sublime and seven-headed, sprung from eternal Law, our sire discovered.
Ayasya, friend of all men, hath engendered the fourth hymn as he sang his laud to Indra.

2Thinking aright, praising eternal Order, the sons of Dyaus the Asura, those heroes,
Angirases, holding the rank of sages, first honoured sacrifice’s holy statute.

3Girt by his friends who cried with swan-like voices, bursting the stony barriers of the prison,
Brhaspati spake in thunder to the cattle, and uttered praise and song when he had found them.

4Apart from one, away from two above him, he drave the kine that stood in bonds of falsehood.
Brhaspati, seeking light amid the darkness, drave forth the bright cows: three he made apparent.

5When he had cleft the lairs and western castle, he cut off three from him who held the waters.Brhaspati discovered, while he thundered like Dyaus, the dawn, the Sun, the cow, the lightning.

6As with a hand, so with his roaring Indra cleft Vala through, the guardian of the cattle.
Seeking the milk-draught with sweat-shining comrades he stole the Pani’s kine and left him weeping.

7He with bright faithful Friends, winners of booty, hath rent the milker of the cows asunder.
Brhaspati with wild boars strong and mighty, sweating with heat, hath gained a rich possession.

8They, longing for the kine, with faithful spirit incited with their hymns the Lord of cattle.
Brhaspati freed the radiant cows with comrades self-yoked, averting shame from one another.

9In our assembly with auspicious praises exalting him who roareth like a lion,
May we, in every fight where heroes conquer, rejoice in strong Brhaspati the Victor.

10When he had won him every sort of booty and gone to heaven and its most lofty mansions,
Men praised Brhaspati the Mighty, bringing the light within their mouths from sundry places.

11Fulfil the prayer that begs for vital vigour: aid in your wonted manner even the humble.
Let all our foes be turned and driven backward. Hear this, O Heaven and Earth, ye All-producers.

12Indra with mighty strength cleft asunder the head of Arbuda the watery monster,
Slain Ahi, and set free the Seven Rivers. O Heaven and Earth, with all the Gods protect us.

1Like birds who keep their watch, splashing in water, like the loud voices of the thundering rain-cloud,
Like merry streamlets bursting from the mountain, thus to Brhaspati our hymns have sounded.

2The Son of Angirases, meeting the cattle, as Bhaga, brought in Aryaman among us.
As Friend of men he decks the wife and husband: as for the race, Brhaspati, nerve our coursers.

3Brhaspati, having won them from the mountains, strewed down, like barley out of winnowing-baskets,
The vigorous, wandering cows who aid the pious, desired of all, of blameless form, well-coloured.

4As the Sun dews with meath the seat of Order, and casts a flaming meteor down from heaven.
So from the rock Brhaspati forced the cattle, and cleft the earth’s skin as it were with water.

5Forth from mid air with light he drave the darkness, as the gale blows a lily from the river.
Like the wind grasping at the cloud of Vala, Brhaspati gathered to himself the cattle,

6Brhaspati, when he with fiery lightnings cleft through the weapon of reviling Vala,
Consumed him as tongues eat what teeth have compassed: he threw the prisons of the red cows open.

7That secret name borne by the lowing cattle within the cave Brhaspati discovered,
And drave, himself, the bright kine from the mountain, like a bird’s young after the egg’s disclosure.

8He looked around on rock-imprisoned sweetness as one who eyes a fish in scanty water.
Brhaspati, cleaving through with varied clamour, brought it forth like a bowl from out the timber.

9He found the light of heaven, and fire, and Morning: with lucid rays he forced apart the darkness.
As from a joint, Brhaspati took the marrow of Vala as he gloried in his cattle.

10As trees for foliage robbed by winter, Vala mourned for the cows Brhaspati had taken.
He did a deed ne’er done, ne’er to be equalled, whereby the Sun and Moon ascend alternate.

11Like a dark steed adorned with pearl, the Fathers have decorated heaven With constellations.
They set the light in day, in night the darkness. Brhaspati cleft the rock and found the cattle.

12This homage have we offered to the Cloud God who thunders out to many in succession.
May this Brhaspati vouchsafe us fulness of life with kine and horses, men, and heroes.

1Auspicious is the aspect of Vadhryasva’s fire good is its guidance, pleasant are its visitings.
When first the people Of Sumitra kindle it, with butter poured thereon it crackles and shines bright.

2Butter is that which makes Vadhryasva’s fire grow strong: the butter is its food, the butter makes it fat.
It spreads abroad when butter hath been offered it, and balmed with streams of butter shines forth like the Sun.

3Still newest is this face of thine, O Agni, which Manu and Sumitra have enkindled.
So richly shine, accept our songs with favour, so give us strengthening food, so send us glory.

4Accept this offering, Agni, whom aforetime Vadhryasva, hath entreated and enkindled.
Guard well our homes and people, guard our bodies, protect thy girt to us which thou hast granted.

5Be splendid, guard us Kinsman of Vadhryasva: let not the enmity of men o’ercome thee,
Like the bold hero Cyavana, I Sumitra tell forth the title of Vadhryaiva’s Kinsman.

6All treasures hast thou won, of plains and mountains, and quelled the Dasas’ andAryas’ hatred.
Like the bold hero Cyavana, O Agni, mayst thou subdue the men who long for battle.

7Deft Agni hath a lengthened thread, tall oxen, a thousand heifers, numberless devices.
Decked by the men, splendid among the splendid, shine brightly forth amid devout Sumitras.

8Thine is the teeming cow, O Játavedas, who pours at once her ceaseless flow, Sabardhuk,
Thou art lit up by men enriched with guerdon, O Agni, by the pious-souled Sumitras.

9Even Immortal Gods, O Játavedas, Vadhryasva’s Kinsman, have declared thy grandeur.
When human tribes drew near with supplication thou conqueredst with men whom thou hadst strengthened.

10Like as a father bears his son, O Agni, Vadhryasva bare thee in his lap and served thee.
Thou, Youngest God, having enjoyed his fuel, didst vanquish those of old though they were mighty.

11Vadhryasva’s Agni evermore hath vanquished his foes with heroes who had pressed the Soma.
Lord of bright rays, thou burntest up the battle, subduing, as our help, e’en mighty foemen.

12This Agni of Vadhryasva, Vrtra-slayer, lit from of old, must be invoked with homage.
As such assail our enemies, Vadhryasva, whether the foes be strangers or be kinsmen.

1Enjoy, O Agni, this my Fuel, welcome the oil-filled ladle where we pour libation.
Rise up for worship of the Gods, wise Agni, on the earth’s height, while days are bright with beauty.

2May he who goes before the Gods come hither with steeds whose shapes are varied, Narasarhsa.
May he, most Godlike, speed our offered viands with homage God-ward on the path of Order.

3Men with oblations laud most constant Agni, and pray him to perform an envoy’s duty.
With lightly-rolling car and best draught-horses, bring the Gods hither and sit down as Hotar.

4May the delight of Gods spread out transversely: may it be with us long in length and fragrant.
O Holy Grass divine, with friendly spirit bring thou the willing Gods whose Chief is Indra.

5Touch ye the far-extending height of heaven or spring apart to suit the wide earth’s measure.
Yearning, ye Doors, with those sublime in greatness, seize eagerly the heavenly Car that cometh.

6Here in this shrine may Dawn and Night, the Daughters of Heaven, the skilful Goddesses, be seated.
In your wide lap, auspicious, willing Ladies may the Gods seat them with a willing spirit.

7Up stands the stone, high burns the fire enkindled: Aditi’s lap contains the Friendly Natures
Ye Two Chief Priests who serve at this our worship, may ye, more skilled, win for us rich possessions.

8On our wide grass, Three Goddesses be seated: for you have we prepared and made it pleasant.
May Ila, she whose foot drops oil, the Goddess, taste, man-like, sacrifice and well-set presents.

9Since thou, God Tvastar, hast made beauty perfect, since thou hast been the Angirases’ Companion,
Willing, most wealthy, Giver of possessions, grant us the Gods’ assembly, thou who knowest.

10Well-knowing, binding with thy cord, bring hither, Lord of the Wood, the Deities’ assembly.
The God prepare and season our oblations may Heaven and Earth be gracious to my calling.

11Agni, bring hither Váruna to help us, Indra from heaven, from air’s mid-realm the Maruts.
On sacred grass all Holy ones be seated and let the Immortal Gods rejoice in Sváhá.

1When men, Brhaspati, giving names to objects, sent out Vak’s first and earliest utterances,
All that was excellent and spotless, treasured within them, was disclosed through their affection.

2Where, like men cleansing corn-flour in a cribble, the wise in spirit have created language,
Friends see and recognize the marks of friendship: their speech retains the blessed sign imprinted.

3With sacrifice the trace of Vak they foIlowed, and found her harbouring within the Rsis.
They brought her, dealt her forth in many places: seven singers make her tones resound in concert.

4One man hath ne’er seen Vak, and yet he seeth: one man hath hearing but hath never heard her.
But to another hath she shown her beauty as a fond well-dressed woman to her husband.

5One man they call a laggard, dull in friendship: they never urge him on to deeds of valour.
He wanders on in profitless illusion: the Voice he heard yields neither fruit, nor blossom.

6No part in Vak hath he who hath abandoned his own dear friend who knows the truth of friendship.
Even if he hears her still in vain he listens: naught knows he of the path of righteous action.

7Unequal in the quickness of their spirit are friends endowed alike with eyes and hearing.
Some look like tanks that reach the mouth or shoulder, others like pools of water fit to bathe in.

8When friendly Bráhmans sacrifice together with mental impulse which the heart hath fashioned,
They leave one far behind through their attainments, and some who count as Bráhmans wander elsewhere.

9Those men who step not back and move not forward, nor Bráhmans nor preparers of libations,
Having attained to Vak in sinful fashion spin out their thread in ignorance like spinsters.

10All friends are joyful in the friend who cometh in triumph, having conquered in assembly.
He is their blame-averter, food-provider prepared is he and fit for deed of vigour.

11One plies his constant task reciting verses, one sings the holy psalm in Sakvari measures.
One more, the Bráhman, tells the lore of being, and one lays down the rules of sacrificing.

1Let us with tuneful skill proclaim these generations of the Gods,
That one may see them when these hymns are chanted in a future age.

2These Bráhmanaspati produced with blast and smelting, like a Smith,
Existence, in an earlier age of Gods, from Non-existence sprang.

3Existence, in the earliest age of Gods, from Non-existence sprang.
Thereafter were the regions born. This sprang from the Productive Power.

4Earth sprang from the Productive Power the regions from the earth were born.
Daksa was born of Aditi, and Aditi was Daksa’s Child.

5For Aditi, O Daksa, she who is thy Daughter, was brought forth.
After her were the blessed Gods born sharers of immortal life.

6When ye, O Gods, in yonder deep close clasping one another stood,
Thence, as of dancers, from your feet a thickening cloud of dust arose.

7When, O ye Gods, like Yatis, ye caused all existing things to grow,
Then ye brought Súrya forward who was lying hidden in the sea.

8Eight are the Sons of Adid who from her body sprang to life.
With seven she went to meet the Gods she cast Martanda far away.

9So with her Seven Sons Aditi went forth to meet the earlier age.
She brought Martanda thitherward to spring to life and die again.

1Thou wast born mighty for victorious valour, exulting, strongest, full of pride and courage.
There, even there, the Maruts strengthened Indra when his most rapid Mother stirred the Hero.

2There with fiend’s ways e’en Prsni was seated: with much laudation they exalted Indra.
As if encompassed by the Mighty-footed, from darkness, near at hand, forth came the Children.

3High are thy feet when on thy way thou goest: the strength thou foundest here hath lent thee vigour.
Thousand hyenas in thy mouth thou holdest. O Indra, mayst thou turn the Asvins hither.

4Speeding at once to sacrifice thou comest for friendship thou art bringing both Násatyas.
Thou hadst a thousand treasures in possession. The Asvins, O thou Hero, gave thee riches.

5Glad, for the race that rests on holy Order, with friends who hasten to their goal, hath Indra
With these his magic powers assailed the Dasyu: he cast away the gloomy mists, the darkness.

6Two of like name for him didst thou demolish, as Indra striking down the car of Usas.
With thy beloved lofty Friends thou camest, and with the asSúrance of thine heart thou slewest.

7War-loving Namuci thou smotest, robbing the Dasa of his magic for the Rsi.
For man thou madest ready pleasant pathways, paths leading as it were directly God-ward.

8These names of thine thou hast fulfilled completely: as Lord, thou holdest in thine arm, O Indra.
In thee, through thy great might, the Gods are joyful: the roots of trees hast thou directed upward.

9May the sweet Soma juices make him happy to cast his quoit that lies in depth of waters.
Thou from the udder which o’er earth is fastened hast poured the milk into the kine and herbage.

10When others call him offspring of the Courser, my meaning is that Mighty Power produced him.
He came from Manyu and remained in houses: whence he hath sprung is known to Indra only.

11Like birds of beauteous wing the Priyamedhas, Rsis, imploring, have come nigh to Indra:
Dispel the darkness and fill full our vision deliver us as men whom snares entangle.

1I Am prepared to laud with song or worship the Noble Ones who are in earth and heaven,
Or Coursers who have triumphed in the contest, or those who famed, have won the prize with glory.

2Their call, the call of Gods, went up to heaven: they kissed the ground with glory-seeking spirit,
There where the Gods look on for happy fortune, and like the kindly heavens bestow their bounties.

3This is the song of those Immortal Beings who long for treasures in their full perfection.
May these, completing prayers and sacrifices, bestow upon us wealth where naught is wanting.

4Those living men extolled thy deed, O Indra, those who would fain burst through the stall of cattle,
Fain to milk her who bare but once, great, lofty, whose Sons are many and her streams past number.

5Sacivan, win to your assistance Indra who never bends, who overcomes his foemen.
Rbhuksan, Maghavan, the hymn’s upholder, who, rich in food, bears man’s kind friend, the thunder.

6Since he who won of old anew hath triumphed, Indra hath earned his name of Vrtra-slayer.
He hath appeared, the mighty Lord of Conquest. What we would have him do let him accomplish.

1The singer, O ye Waters in Vivasván’s place, shall tell your grandeur forth that is beyond compare.
The Rivers have come forward triply, seven and seven. Sindhu in might surpasses all the streams that flow.

2Váruna cut the channels for thy forward course, O Sindhu, when thou rannest on to win the race.
Thou speedest o’er precipitous ridges of the earth, when thou art Lord and Leader of these moving floods.

3His roar is lifted up to heaven above the earth: he puts forth endless vigour with a flash of light.
Like floods of rain that fall in thunder from the cloud, so Sindhu rushes on bellowing like a bull.

4Like mothers to their calves, like milch kine with their milk, so, Sindhu, unto thee the roaring rivers run.
Thou leadest as a warrior king thine army’s wings what time thou comest in the van of these swift streams.

5Favour ye this my laud, O Ganga, Yamuna, O Sutudri, Parusni and Sarasvati:
With Asikni, Vitasta, O Marudvrdha, O Arjikiya with Susoma hear my call.

6First with Trstama thou art eager to flow forth, with Rasa, and Susartu, and with Svetya here,
With Kubha; and with these, Sindhu and Mehatnu, thou seekest in thy course Krumu and Gomati.

7Flashing and whitely-gleaming in her mightiness, she moves along her ample volumes through the realms,
Most active of the active, Sindhu unrestrained, like to a dappled mare, beautiful, fair to see.

8Rich in good steeds is Sindhu, rich in cars and robes, rich in gold, nobly-fashioned, rich in ample wealth.
Blest Silamavati and young Urnavati invest themselves with raiment rich in store of sweets.

9Sindhu hath yoked her car, light-rolling, drawn by steeds, and with that car shall she win booty.

1I Grasp at you when power and strength begin to dawn: bedew ye, Indra and the Maruts, Heaven and Earth,
That Day and Night, in every hall of sacrifice, may wait on us and bless us when they first spring forth.

2Press the libation out, most excellent of all: the Pressing-stone is grasped like a hand-guided steed.
So let it win the valour that subdues the foe, and the fleet courser’s might that speeds to ample wealth.

3Juice that this Stone pours out removes defect of ours, as in old time it brought prosperity to man.
At sacrifices they established holy rites on Tvastar’s milk-blent juice bright with the hue of steeds.

4Drive ye the treacherous demons far away from us: keep Nirrti afar and banish Penury.
Pour riches forth for us with troops of hero sons, and bear ye up, O Stones, the song that visits Gods.

5To you who are more mighty than the heavens themselves, who, finishing your task with more than Vibhvan’s speed,
More rapidly than Váyu seize the Soma juice, better than Agni give us food, to you I sing.

6Stirred be the glorious Stones: let it press out the juice, the Stone with heavenly song that reaches up to heaven,
There where the men draw forth the meath for which they long, sending their voice around in rivalry of speed.

7The Stones press out the Soma, swift as car-borne men, and, eager for the spoil, drain forth the sap thereof
To fill the beaker, they exhaust the udder’s store, as the men purify oblations with their lips.

8Ye, present men, have been most skilful in your work, even ye, O Stones who pressed Soma for Indra’s drink.
May all ye have of fair go to the Heavenly Race, and all your treasure to the earthly worshipper.

1As with their voice from cloud they sprinkle treasure so are the wise man’s liberal sacrifices.
I praise their Company that merits worship as the good Maruts’ priest to pay them honour.

2The youths have wrought their ornaments for glory through many nights, - this noble band of MarutsLike stags the Sons of Dyatis have striven onward, the Sons of Aditi grown strong like pillars.

3They who extend beyond the earth and heaven, by their own mass, as from the cloud spreads Súrya;
Like mighty Heroes covetous of glory, like heavenly gallants who destroy the wicked.

4When ye come nigh, as in the depth of waters, the earth is loosened, as it were, and shaken.
This your all-feeding sacrifice approaches: come all united, fraught, as ’twere with viands.

5Ye are like horses fastened to the chariot poles, luminous with your beams, with splendour as at dawn;
Like self-bright falcons, punishers of wicked men, like hovering birds urged forward, scattering rain around.

6When ye come forth, O Maruts, from the distance, from the great treasury of rich possessions,
Knowing, O Vasus, boons that should be granted, even from afar drive back the men who hate us.

7He who, engaged in the rite’s final duty brings, as a man, oblation to the Maruts,
Wins him life’s wealthy fulness, blest with heroes: he shall be present, too, where Gods drink Soma.

8For these are helps adored at sacrifices, bringing good fortune by their name Ádityas.
Speeding on cars let them protect our praises, delighting in our sacrifice and worship.

1Ye by your hymns are like high-thoughted singers, skilful, inviting Gods with sacrifices;
Fair to behold, like Kings, with bright adornment, like spotless gallants, leaders of the people:

2Like fire with flashing flame, breast-bound with chains of gold, like tempest-blasts, self-moving, swift to lend your aid;
As best of all foreknowers, excellent to guide, like Somas, good to guard the man who follows Law.

3Shakers of all, like gales of wind they travel, like tongues of burning fires in their effulgence.
Mighty are they as warriors clad in armour, and, like the Fathers’ prayers, Most Bounteous Givers.

4Like spokes of car-wheels in one nave united, ever victorious like heavenly Heroes,
Shedding their precious balm like youthful suitors, they raise their voice and chant their psalm as singers.

5They who are fleet to travel like the noblest steeds, long to obtain the prize like bounteous charioteers,
Like waters speeding on with their precipitous floods, like omniform Angirases with Sama-hymns.

6Born from the stream, like press-stones are the Princes, for ever like the stones that crush in pieces;
Sons of a beauteous Dame, like playful children, like a great host upon the march with splendour.

7Like rays of Dawn, the visitors of sacrifice, they shine with ornaments as eager to be bright.
Like rivers hasting on, glittering with their spears, from far away they measure out the distances.

8Gods, send us happiness and make us wealthy, letting us singers prosper, O ye Maruts.
Bethink you of our praise and of our friendship: ye from of old have riches to vouchsafe us.

1I Have beheld the might of this Great Being. Immortal in the midst of tribes of mortals.
His jaws now open and now shut together: much they devour, insatiately chewing.

2His eyes are turned away, his head is hidden: unsated with his tongue he eats the fuel.
With hands upraised, with reverence in the houses, for him they quickly bring his food together.

3Seeking, as ’twere, his Mother’s secret bosom, he, like a child, creeps on through wide-spread bushes.
One he finds glowing like hot food made ready, and kissing deep within the earth’s realms.

4This holy Law I tell you, Earth and Heaven: the Infant at his birth dovours his Parents.
No knowledge of the God have I, a mortal. Yea, Agni knoweth best, for he hath wisdom.

5This man who quickly gives him food, who offers his gifts of oil and butter and supports him, -
Him with his thousand eyes he closely looks on: thou showest him thy face from all sides, Agni.

6Agni, hast thou committed sin or treason among the Gods? In ignorance I ask thee.
Playing, not playing, he gold-hued and toothless, hath cut his food up as the knife a victim.

7He born in wood hath yoked his horses rushing in all directions, held with reins that glitter.
The well-born friend hath carved his food with Vasus: in all his limbs he hath increased and prospered.

1Agni bestows the fleet prize-winning courser: Agni, the hero famed and firm in duty.
Agni pervades and decks the earth and heaven, and fills the fruitful dame who teems with heroes.

2Blest be the wood that feeds the active Agni: within the two great worlds hath Agni entered.
Agni impels a single man to battle, and with him rends in pieces many a foeman.

3Agni rejoiced the car of him who praised him, and from the waters burnt away Jarutha.
Agni saved Atri in the fiery cavern, and made Nrmedha rich with troops of children.

4Agni hath granted wealth that decks the hero, and sent the sage who wins a thousand cattle.
Agni hath made oblations rise to heaven: to every place are Agni’s laws extended.

5With songs of praise the Rsis call on Agni; on Agni, heroes worsted in the foray.
Birds flying in the region call on Agni around a thousand cattle Agni wanders.

6Races of human birth pay Agni worship, men who have sprung from Nahus’ line adore him.
Stablished in holy oil is Agni’s pasture, on the Gandharva path of Law and Order.

7The Rbhus fabricated prayer for Agni, and we with mighty hymns have called on Agni.
Agni, Most Youthful God, protect the singer: win us by worship, Agni, great possessions.

1He who sate down as Hotar-priest, the Rsi, our Father, offering up all things existing, -
He, seeking through his wish a great possession, came among men on earth as archetypal.

2What was the place whereon he took his station? What was it that supported him? How was it?
Whence Visvakarmán, seeing all, producing the earth, with mighty power disclosed the heavens.

3He who hath eyes on all sides round about him, a mouth on all sides, arms and feet on all sides,
He, the Sole God, producing earth and heaven, weldeth them, with his arms as wings, together.

4What was the tree, what wood in sooth produced it, from which they fashioned out the earth and heaven?
Ye thoughtful men inquire within your spirit whereon he stood when he established all things.

5Nine highest, lowest, sacrificial natures, and these thy mid-most here, O Visvakarmán,
Teach thou thy friends at sacrifice, O Blessed, and come thyself, exalted, to our worship.

6Bring thou thyself, exalted with oblation, O Visvakarmán, Earth and Heaven to worship.
Let other men around us live in folly here let us have a rich and liberal patron.

7Let us invoke to-day, to aid our labour, the Lord of Speech, the thought-swift Visvakarmán.
May he hear kindly all our invocations who gives all bliss for aid, whose works are righteous.

1The Father of the eye, the Wise in spirit, created both these worlds submerged in fatness.
Then when the eastern ends were firmly fastened, the heavens and the earth were far extended.

2Mighty in mind and power is Visvakarmán, Maker, Disposer, and most lofty Presence.
Their offerings joy in rich juice where they value One, only One, beyond the Seven Rsis.

3Father who made us, he who, as Disposer, knoweth all races and all things existing,
Even he alone, the Deities’ name-giver, him other beings seek for information.

4To him in sacrifice they offered treasures, - Rsis of old, in numerous troops, as singers,
Who, in the distant, near, and lower region, made ready all these things that have existence.

5That which is earlier than this earth and heaven, before the Asuras and Gods had being, -
What was the germ primeval which the waters received where all the Gods were seen together?

6The waters, they received that germ primeval wherein the Gods were gathered all together.
It rested set upon the Unborn’s navel, that One wherein abide all things existing.

7Ye will not find him who produced these creatures: another thing hath risen up among you.
Enwrapt in misty cloud, with lips that stammer, hymn-chanters wander and are discontented.

1He who hath reverenced thee, Manyu, destructive bolt, breeds for himself forth with all conquering energy.
Arya and Dasa will we conquer with thine aid, with thee the Conqueror, with conquest conquest-sped.

2Manyu was Indra, yea, the God, was Manyu, Manyu was Hotar, Váruna, Játavedas.
The tribes of human lineage worship Manyu. Accordant with thy fervour, Manyu, guard us.

3Come hither, Manyu, mightier tham the mighty; chase, with thy fervour for ally, our foemen.
Slayer of foes, of Vrtra, and of Dasyu, bring thou to us all kinds of wealth and treasure.

4For thou art, Manyu, of surpassing vigour, fierce, queller of the foe, and self-existent,
Shared by all men, victorious, subduer: vouchsafe to us superior strengith in battles.

5I have departed, still without a portion, wise God! according to thy will, the Mighty.
I, feeble man, was wroth thee, O Manyu I am myself; come thou to give me vigour.

6Come hither. I am all thine own; advancing turn thou to me, Victorious, All-supporter!
Come to me, Manyu, Wielder of the Thunder: bethink thee of thy friend, and slay the Dasyus.

7Approach, and on my right hand hold thy station: so shall we slay a multitude of foemen.
The best of meath I offer to support thee: may we be first to drink thereof in quiet.

1Borne on with thee, O Manyu girt by Maruts, let our brave men, impetuous, bursting forward,
March on, like flames of fire in form, exulting, with pointed arrows, sharpening their weapons.

2Flashing like fire, be thou, O conquering Manyu, invoked, O Victor, as our army’s leader.
Slay thou our foes, distribute their possessions: show forth thy vigour, scatter those who hate us.

3O Manyu, overcome thou our assailant on! breaking, slaying, crushing down the foemen.
They have not hindered thine impetuous vigour: Mighty, Sole born! thou makest them thy subjects.

4Alone or many thou art worshipped, Manyu: sharpen the spirit of each clan for battle.
With thee to aid, O thou of perfect splendour, we will uplift the glorious shout for conquest.

5Unyielding bringing victory like Indra, O Manyu, be thou here our Sovran Ruler.
To thy dear name, O Victor, we sing praises: we know the spring from which thou art come hither.

6Twin-born with power, destructive bolt of thunder, the highest conquering might is thine, Subduer!
Be friendly to it in thy spirit, Manyu, O Much-invoked, in shock of mighty battle.

7For spoil let Váruna and Manyu give us the wealth of both sides gathered and collected;
And let our enemies with stricken spirits, o’erwhelmed with terror, slink away defeated.

1Truth is the base that bears the earth; by Súrya are the heavens sustained.
By Law the Ádityas stand secure, and Soma holds his place in heaven.

2By Soma are the Ádityas strong, by Soma mighty is the earth.
Thus Soma in the midst of all these constellations hath his place.

3One thinks, when they have brayed the plant, that he hath drunk the Soma’s juice;
Of him whom Bráhmans truly know as Soma no one ever tastes.

4Soma, secured by sheltering rules, guarded by hymns in Brhati,
Thou standest listening to the stones none tastes of thee who dwells on earth.

5When they begin to drink thee then, O God, thou swellest out again.
Váyu is Soma’s guardian God. The Moon is that which shapes the years.

6Raibhi was her dear bridal friend, and Narasamsi led her home.
Lovely was Súrya’s robe: she came to that which Gatha had adorned.

7Thought was the pillow of her couch, sight was the unguent for her eyes:
Her treasury was earth and heaven..when Súrya went unto her Lord.

8Hymns were the cross-bars of the pole, Kurira-metre decked the car:
The bridesmen were the Asvin Pair Agni was leader of the train.

9Soma was he who wooed the maid: the groomsmen were both Asvins, when
The Sun-God Savitar bestowed his willing Súrya on her Lord.

10Her spirit was the bridal car; the covering thereof was heaven:
Bright were both Steers that drew it when Súrya approached her husband’s, home.

11Thy Steers were steady, kept in place by holy verse and Sama-hymn:
All car were thy two chariot wheels: thy path was tremulous in the sky,

12Clean, as thou wentest, were thy wheels wind, was the axle fastened there.
Súrya, proceeding to her Lord, mounted a spirit-fashioned car.

13The bridal pomp of Súrya, which Savitar started, moved along.
In Magha days are oxen slain, in Arjuris they wed the bride.

14When on your three-wheeled chariot, O Asvins, ye came as wooers unto Súrya’s bridal,
Then all the Gods agreed to your proposal Pusan as Son elected you as Fathers.

15O ye Two Lords of lustre, then when ye to Súrya’s wooing came,
Where was one chariot wheel of yours? Where stood ye for the Sire’s command?

16The Bráhmans, by their seasons, know, O Súrya, those two wheels of thine:
One kept concealed, those only who are skilled in highest truths have learned.

17To Súrya and the Deities, to Mitra and to Váruna.
Who know aright the thing that is, this adoration have I paid.

18By their own power these Twain in close succession move; They go as playing children round the sacrifice.
One of the Pair beholdeth all existing things; the other ordereth seasons and is born again.

19He, born afresh, is new and new for ever ensign of days he goes before the Mornings
Coming, he orders for the Gods their portion. The Moon prolongs the days of our existence.

20Mount this, all-shaped, gold-hued, with strong wheels, fashioned of Kimsuka and Salmali, light-rolling,
Bound for the world of life immortal, Súrya: make for thy lord a happy bridal journey.

21Rise up from hence: this maiden hath a husband. I laud Visvavasu with hymns and homage.
Seek in her father’s home another fair one, and find the portion from of old assigned thee.

22Rise up from hence, Visvavasu: with reverence we worship thee.
Seek thou another willing maid, and with her husband leave the bride.

23Straight in direction be the paths, and thornless, whereon our fellows travel to the wooing.
Let Aryaman and Bhaga lead us: perfect, O Gods, the union of the wife and husband.

24Now from the noose of Váruna I free thee, wherewith Most Blessed Savitar hath bound thee.
In Law’s seat, to the world of virtuous action, I give thee up uninjured with thy consort.

25Hence, and not thence, I send these free. I make thee softly fettered there.
That, Bounteous Indra, she may live blest in her fortune and her sons.

26Let Pusan take thy hand and hence conduct thee; may the two Asvins on their car transport thee.
Go to the house to be the household’s mistress and speak as lady to thy gathered people.

27Happy be thou and prosper with thy children here: be vigilant to rule thy household in this home.
Closely unite thy body with this man, thy lord. So shall ye, full of years, address your company.

28Her hue is blue and red: the fiend who clingeth close is driven off.
Well thrive the kinsmen of this bride the husband is bound fast in bonds.

29Give thou the woollen robe away: deal treasure to the Bráhman priests.
This female fiend hath got her feet, and as a wife attends her lord.

30Unlovely is his body when it glistens with this wicked fiend,
What time the husband wraps about his limbs the garment of his wife.

31Consumptions, from her people, which follow the bride’s resplendent train, -
These let the Holy Gods again bear to the place from which they came.

32Let not the highway thieves who lie in ambush find the wedded pair.
By pleasant ways let them escape the danger, and let foes depart.

33Signs of good fortune mark the bride come all of you and look at her.
Wish her prosperity, and then return unto your homes again.

34Pungent is this, and bitter this, filled, as it were, with arrow-barbs, empoisoned and not fit for use.
The Bráhman who knows Súrya well deserves the garment of the bride.

35The fringe, the cloth that decks her head, and then the triply parted robe, -
Behold the hues which Súrya wears these doth the Bráhman purify.

36I take thy hand in mine for happy fortune that thou mayst reach old age with me thy husband.
Gods, Aryaman, Bhaga, Savitar, Purandhi, have given thee to be my household’s mistress.

37O Pusan, send her on as most auspicious, her who shall be the sharer of my pleasures;
Her who shall twine her loving arms about me, and welcome all my love and mine embraces.

38For thee, with bridal train, they first escorted Súrya to her home.
Give to the husband in return, Agni, the wife with progeny.

39Agni hath given the bride again with splendour and with ample life.
Long lived be he who is her lord; a hundred autumns let him live.

40Soma obtained her first of all; next the Gandharva was her lord.
Agni was thy third husband: now one born of woman is thy fourth.

41Soma to the Gandharva, and to Agni the Gandharva gave:
And Agni hath bestowed on me riches and sons and this my spouse.

42Be ye not parted; dwell ye here reach the full time of human life.
With sons and grandsons sport and play, rejoicing in your own abode.

43So may Prajápati bring children forth to us; may Aryaman adorn us till old age come nigh.
Not inauspicious enter thou thy husband’s house: bring blessing to our bipeds and our quadrupeds.

44Not evil-eyed, no slayer of thy husband, bring weal to cattle, radiant, gentle-hearted;
Loving the Gods, delightful, bearing heroes, bring blessing to our quadrupeds and bipeds.

45O Bounteous Indra, make this bride blest in her sons and fortunate.
Vouchsafe to her ten sons, and make her husband the eleventh man.

46Over thy husband’s father and thy husband’s mother bear full sway.
Over the sister of tby lord, over his brothers rule supreme.

47So may the Universal Gods, so may the Waters join our hearts.
May Mátarisvan, Dhátar, and Destri together bind us close.

1Men have abstained from pouring juice they count not Indra as a God.
Where at the votary’s store my friend Vrsakapi hath drunk his fill. Supreme is Indra over all.

2Thou, Indra, heedless passest by the ill Vrsakapi hath wrought;
Yet nowhere else thou findest place wherein to drink the Soma juice. Supreme is Indra over all.

3What hath he done to injure thee, this tawny beast Vrsakapi,
With whom thou art so angry now? What is the votary’s foodful store? Supreme is Indra over all.

4Soon may the hound who hunts the boar seize him and bite him in the ear,
O Indra, that Vrsakapi whom thou protectest as a friend, Supreme is Indra over all.

5Kapi hath marred the beauteous things, all deftly wrought, that were my joy.
In pieces will I rend his head; the sinner’s portion sball be woo. Supreme is Indra over all.

6No Dame hath ampler charms than I, or greater wealth of love’s delights.
None with more ardour offers all her beauty to her lord’s embrace. Supreme is Indra over all.

7Mother whose love is quickly won, I say what verily will be.
My breast, O Mother, and my head and both my hips seem quivering. Supreme is Indra over all.

8Dame with the lovely hands and arms, with broad hair-plaits and ample hips,
Why, O thou Hero’s wife, art thou angry with our Vrsakapi? Supreme is Indra over all.

9This noxious creature looks on me as one bereft of hero’s love,
Yet Heroes for my sons have I, the Maruts’ Friend and Indra’s Queen. Supreme is Indra over all.

10From olden time the matron goes to feast and general sacrifice.
Mother of Heroes, Indra’s Queen, the rite’s ordainer is extolled. Supreme is Indra over all.

11So have I heard Indráni called most fortunate among these Dames,
For never shall her Consort die in future time through length of days. Supreme is Indra overall.

12Never, Indráni, have I joyed without my friend Vrsakapi,
Whose welcome offering here, made pure with water, goeth to the Gods. Supreme is Indra over all.

13Wealthy Vrsakapayi, blest with sons and consorts of thy sons,
Indra will eat thy bulls, thy dear oblation that effecteth much. Supreme is Indra over all.

14Fifteen in number, then, for me a score of bullocks they prepare,
And I devour the fat thereof: they fill my belly full with food. Supreme is Indra over all.

15Like as a bull with pointed horn, loud bellowing amid the herds,
Sweet to thine heart, O Indra, is the brew which she who tends thee pours. Supreme is Indra over all.

18O Indra this Vrsakapi hath found a slain wild animal,
Dresser, and new-made pan, and knife, and wagon with a load of wood. Supreme is Indra over all.

19Distinguishing the Dasa and the Arya, viewing all, I go.
I look upon the wise, and drink the simple votary’s Soma juice. Supreme is Indra over all.

20The desert plains and steep descents, how many leagues in length they spread!
Go to the nearest houses, go unto thine home, Vrsakapi. Supreme is Indra over all.

21Turn thee again Vrsakapi: we twain will bring thee happiness.
Thou goest homeward on thy way along this path which leads to sleep. Supreme is Indra over all.

22When, Indra and Vrsakapi, ye travelled upward to your home,
Where was that noisome beast, to whom went it, the beast that troubles man? Supreme is Indra over all.

23Daughter of Manu, Parsu bare a score of children at a birth.
Her portion verily was bliss although her burthen caused her grief.

1I Balm with oil the mighty Raksas-slayer; to the most famous Friend I come for shelter
Enkindled, sharpened by our rites, may Agni protect us in the day and night from evil.

2O Játavedas with the teeth of iron, enkindled with thy flame attack the demons.
Seize with thy tongue the foolish gods’ adorers: rend, put within thy mouth the raw-flesh caters.

3Apply thy teeth, the upper and the lower, thou who hast both, enkindled and destroying.
Roam also in the air, O King, around us, and with thy jaws assail the wicked spirits.

4Bending thy shafts through sacrifices, Agni, whetting their points with song as if with whetstones,
Pierce to the heart therewith the Yatudhanas, and break their arms uplifed to attack thee.

5Pierce through the Yatudhana’s skin, O Agni; let the destroying dart with fire consume him.
Rend his joints, Játavedas, let the eater of flesh, flesh-seeking, track his mangled body.

6Where now thou seest Agni Játavedas, one of these demons standing still or roaming,
Or flying on those paths in air’s mid-region, sharpen the shaft and as an archer pierce him.

7Tear from the evil spirit, Játavedas, what he hath seized and with his spears hath captured.
Blazing before him strike him down, O Agni; let spotted carrion-eating kites devour him.

8Here tell this forth, O Agni: whosoever is, he himself, or acteth as, a demon,
Him grasp, O thou Most Youthful, with thy fuel to the Mati-seer’s eye give him as booty.

9With keen glance guard the sacrifice, O Agni: thou Sage, conduct it onward to the Vasus.
Let not the fiends, O Man-beholder, harm thee burning against the Raksasas to slay them.

10Look on the fiend mid men, as Man-beholder: rend thou his three extremities in pieces.
Demolish with thy flame his ribs, O Agni, the Yatudhana’s root destroy thou triply.

11Thrice, Agni, let thy noose surround the demon who with his falsehood injures Holy Order.
Loud roaring with thy flame, O Játavedas, crush him and cast him down before the singer.

12Lead thou the worshipper that eye, O Agni, wherewith thou lookest on the hoof-armed demon.
With light celestial in Atharvan’s manner burn up the fool who ruins truth with falsehood.

13Agni, what curse the pair this day have uttered, what heated word the worshippers have spoken,
Each arrowy taunt sped from the angry spirit, - pierce to the heart therewith the Yatudhanas.

14With fervent heat exterminate the demons; destroy the fiends with burning flame, O Agni.
Destroy with fire the foolish gods’ adorers; blaze and destroy the insatiable monsters.

15May Gods destroy this day the evil-doer may each hot curse of his return and blast him.
Let arrows pierce the liar in his vitals, and Visva’s net enclose the Yatudhana.

16The fiend who smears himself with flesh of cattle, with flesh of horses and of human bodies,
Who steals the milch-cow’s milk away, O Agni, - tear off the heads of such with fiery fury.

17The cow gives milk each year, O Man-regarder: let not the Yatudhana ever taste it.
If one would glut him with the biesting, Agni, pierce with thy flame his vitals as he meets thee.

18Let the fiends drink the poison of the cattle; may Aditi cast off the evil-doers.
May the God Savitar give them up to ruin, and be their share of plants and herbs denied them.

19Agni, from days of old thou slayest demons: never shall Raksasas in fight o’ercome thee.
Burn up the foolish ones, the flesh-devourers: let none of them escape thine heavenly arrow.

20Guard us, O Agni, from above and under, protect us from behind us and before us;
And may thy flames, most fierce and never wasting, glowing with fervent heat, consume the sinner.

21From rear, from front, from under, from above us, O King, protect us as a Sage with wisdom.
Guard to old age thy friend, O Friend, Eternal: O Agni, as Immortal, guard us mortals.

22We set thee round us as a fort, victorious Agni, thee a Sage,
Of hero lineage, day by day, destroyer of our treacherous foes.

23Burn with thy poison turned against the treacherous brood of Raksasas,
O Agni, with thy sharpened glow, with lances armed with points of flame.

24Burn thou the paired Kimídins, burn, Agni, the Yatudhana pairs.
I sharpen thee, Infallible, with hymns. O Sage, be vigilant.

25Shoot forth, O Agni, with thy flame demolish them on every side.
Break thou the Yatudhana’s strength, the vigour of the Raksasa.

1Dear, ageless sacrificial drink is offered in light-discovering, heaven-pervading Agni.
The Gods spread forth through his Celestial Nature, that he might bear the world up and sustain it.

2The world was swallowed and concealed in darkness: Agni was born, and light became apparent.
The Deities, the broad earth, and the heavens, and plants, and waters gloried in his friendship.

3Inspired by Gods who claim our adoration, I now will laud Eternal Lofty Agni,
Him who hath spread abroad the earth with lustre, this heaven, and both the worlds, and air’s mid-region.

4Earliest Priest whom all the Gods accepted, and chose him, and anointed him with butter,
He swiftly made all things that fly, stand, travel, all that hath motion, Agni Játavedas.

5Because thou, Agni, Játavedas, stoodest at the world’s head with thy refulgent splendour,
We sent thee forth with hymns and songs and praises: thou filledst heaven and earth, God meet for worship.

6Head of the world is Agni in the night-time; then, as the Sun at morn springs up and rises.
Then to his task goes the prompt Priest foreknowing the wondrous power of Gods who must be honoured.

7Lovely is he who, kindled in his greatness, hath shone forth, seated in the heavens, refulgent.
With resonant hymns all Gods who guard our bodies have offered up oblation in this Agni.

8First the Gods brought the hymnal into being; then they engendered Agni, then oblation.
He was their satrifice that guards our bodies: him the heavens know, the earth, the waters know him.

9He, Agni, whom the Gods have generated, in whom they offered up all worlds and creatures,
He with his bright glow heated earth and heaven, urging himself right onward in his grandeur.

10Then by the laud the Gods engendered Agni in heaven, who fills both worlds through strength and vigour.
They made him to appear in threefold essence: he ripens plants of every form and nature.

11What time the Gods, whose due is worship, set him as Súrya, Son of Aditi, in heaven,
When the Pair, ever wandering, sprang to being, all creatures that existed looked upon them.

12For all the world of life the Gods made Agni Vaisvánara to be the days’ bright Banner, -
Him who hath spread abroad the radiant Mornings, and, coming with his light, unveils the darkness.

13The wise and holy Deities engendered Agni Vaisvánara whom age ne’er touches.
The Ancient Star that wanders on for ever, lofty and strong, Lord of the Living Being.

14We call upon the Sage with holy verses, Agni Vaisvánara the ever-beaming,
Who hath surpassed both heaven and earth in greatness: he is a God below, a God above us.

15I have heard mention of two several pathways, ways of the Fathers and of Gods and mortals.
On these two paths each moving creature travels, each thing between the Father and the Mother.

16These two united paths bear him who journeys born from the head and pondered with the spirit
He stands directed to all things existing, hasting, unresting in his fiery splendour.

17Which of us twain knows where they speak together, upper and lower of the two rite-leaders?
Our friends have helped to gather our assembly. They came to sacrifice; who will announce it?

18How many are the Fires and Suns in number? What is the number of the Dawns and Waters?
Not jestingly I speak to you, O Fathers. Sages, I ask you this for information.

19As great as is the fair-winged Morning’s presence to him who dwells beside us, Mátarisvan!
Is what the Bráhman does when he approaches to sacrifice and sits below the Hotar.

1I Will extol the most heroic Indra who with his might forced earth and sky asunder;
Who hath filled all with width as man’s Upholder, surpassing floods and rivers in his greatness.

2Súrya is he: throughout the wide expanses shall Indra turn him, swift as car-wheels, hither,
Like a stream resting not but ever active he hath destroyed, with light, the black-hued darkness.

3To him I sing a holy prayer, incessant new, matchless, common to the earth and heaven,
Who marks, as they were backs, all living creatures: ne’er doth he fail a friend, the noble Indra.

4I will send forth my songs in flow unceasing, like water from the ocean’s depth, to Indra.
Who to his car on both its sides securely hath fixed the earth and heaven as with an axle.

5Rousing with draughts, the Shaker, rushing onward, impetuous, very strong, armed as with arrows
Is Soma; forest trees and all the bushes deceive not Indra with their offered likeness.

6Soma hath flowed to him whom naught can equal, the earth, the heavens, the firmament, the mountains, -
When heightened in his ire his indignation shatters the firm and breaks the strong in pieces.

7As an axe fells the tree so he slew Vrtra, brake down the strongholds and dug out the rivers.
He cleft the mountain like a new-made pitcher. Indra brought forth the kine with his Companions.

8Wise art thou, Punisher of guilt, O Indra. The sword lops limbs, thou smitest down the sinner,
The men who injure, as it were a comrade, the lofty Law of Váruna and Mitra.

9Men who lead evil lives, who break agreements, and injure Váruna, Aryaman and Mitra, -
Against these foes, O Mighty Indra, sharpen, as furious death, thy Bull of fiery colour.

10Indra is Sovran Lord of Earth and Heaven, Indra is Lord of waters and of mountains.
Indra is Lord of prosperers and sages Indra must be invoked in rest and effort.

11Vaster than days and nights, Giver of increase, vaster than firmament and flood of ocean,
Vaster than bounds of earth and wind’s extension, vaster than rivers and our lands is Indra.

12Forward, as herald of refulgent Morning, let thine insatiate arrow fly, O Indra.
And pierce, as ’twere a stone launched forth from heaven, with hottest blaze the men who love deception.

13Him, verily, the moons, the mountains followed, the tall trees followed and the plants and herbage.
Yearning with love both Worlds approached, the Waters waited on Indra when he first had being.

14Where was the vengeful dart when thou, O Indra, clavest the demon ever beat on outrage?
When fiends lay there upon the ground extended like cattle in the place of immolation?

15Those who are set in enmity against us, the Oganas, O Indra, waxen mighty, -
Let blinding darkness follow those our foemen, while these shall have bright shining nights to light them.

16May plentiful libations of the people, and singing Rsis’ holy prayers rejoice thee.
Hearing with love this common invocation, come unto us, pass by all those who praise thee.

17O Indra, thus may we be made partakers of thy new favours that shall bring us profit.
Singing with love, may we the Visvámitras win daylight even now through thee, O Indra.

18Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best hero in the fight where spoil is gathered,
The Strong who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the Vrtras, wins and gathers riches.

1A Thousand heads hath Purusa, a thousand eyes, a thousand feet.
On every side pervading earth he fills a space ten fingers wide.

2This Purusa is all that yet hath been and all that is to be;
The Lord of Immortality which waxes greater still by food.

3So mighty is his greatness; yea, greater than this is Purusa.
All creatures are one-fourth of him, three-fourths eternal life in heaven.

4With three-fourths Purusa went up: one-fourth of him again was here.
Thence he strode out to every side over what eats not and what eats.

5From him Viráj was born; again Purusa from Viráj was born.
As soon as he was born he spread eastward and westward o’er the earth.

6When Gods prepared the sacrifice with Purusa as their offering,
Its oil was spring, the holy gift was autumn; summer was the wood.

7They balmed as victim on the grass Purusa born in earliest time.
With him the Deities and all Sádhyas and Rsis sacrificed.

8From that great general sacrifice the dripping fat was gathered up.
He formed the creatures of the air, and animals both wild and tame.

9From that great general sacrifice Rcas and Sama-hymns were born:
Therefrom were spells and charms produced; the Yajus had its birth from it.

10From it were horses born, from it all cattle with two rows of teeth:
From it were generated kine, from it the goats and sheep were born.

11When they divided Purusa how many portions did they make?
What do they call his mouth, his arms? What do they call his thighs and feet?

12The Bráhman was his mouth, of both his arms was the Rajanya made.
His thighs became the Vaisya, from his feet the Sudra was produced.

13The Moon was gendered from his mind, and from his eye the Sun had birth;
Indra and Agni from his mouth were born, and Váyu from his breath.

14Forth from his navel came mid-air the sky was fashioned from his head
Earth from his feet, and from his car the regions. Thus they formed the worlds.

15Seven fencing-sticks had he, thrice seven layers of fuel were prepared,
When the Gods, offering sacrifice, bound, as their victim, Purusa.

16Gods, sacrificing, sacrificed the victim these were the earliest holy ordinances.
The Mighty Ones attained the height of heaven, there where the Sidhyas, Gods of old, are dwelling.

1Brisk, at the place of Ila, hymned by men who wake, our own familiar Friend is kindled in the house;
Hotar of all oblation, worthy of our choice, Lord, beaming, trusty friend to one who loveth him.

2He, excellent in glory, guest in every house, finds like a swift-winged bird a home in every tree.
Benevolent to men, he scorns no living man: Friend to the tribes of men he dwells with every tribe.

3Most sage with insight, passing skilful with thy powers art thou, O Agni, wise with wisdom, knowing all.
As Vasu, thou alone art Lord of all good things, of all the treasures that the heavens and earth produce.

4Fore-knowing well, O Agni, thou in Ila’s place hast occupied thy regular station balmed with oil.
Marked are thy comings like the comings of the Dawns, the rays of him who shineth spotless as the Sun.

5Thy glories are, as lightnings from the rainy cloud, marked, many-hued, like heralds of the Dawns’ approach,
When, loosed to wander over plants and forest trees, thou crammest by thyself thy food into thy mouth.

6Him, duly coming as their germ, have plants received: this Agni have maternal Waters brought to life.
So in like manner do the forest trees and plants bear him within them and produce him evermore.

7When, sped and urged by wind, thou spreadest thee abroad, swift piercing through thy food according to thy will,
Thy never-ceasing blazes, longing to consume, like men on chariots, Agni, strive on every side.

8Agni, the Hotar-priest who fills the assembly full, Waker of knowledge, chief Controller of the thought, -
Him, yea, none other than thyself, doth man elect at sacrificial offerings great and small alike.

9Here, Api, the arrangers, those attached to thee, elect thee as their Priest in sacred gatherings,
When men with strewn clipt grass and sacrificial gifts offer thee entertainment, piously inclined.

10Thine is the Herald’s task and Cleanser’s duly timed; Leader art thou, and Kindler for the pious man.
Thou art Director, thou the ministering Priest: thou art the Bráhman, Lord and Master in our home.

11When mortal man presents to thee Immortal God, Agni, his fuel or his sacrificial gift,
Then thou art his Adhvaryu, Hotar, messenger, callest the Gods and orderest the sacrifice.

12From us these hymns in concert have gone forth to him, these holy words, these Rcas, songs and eulogies,
Eager for wealth, to Játavedas fain for wealth: when they have waxen strong they please their Strengthener.

13This newest eulogy will I speak forth to him, the Ancient One who loves it. May he hear our voice.
May it come near his heart and make it stir with love, as a fond well-dressed matron clings about her lord.

14He in whom horses, bulls, oxen, and barren cows, and rams, when duly set apart, are offered up, -
To Agni, Soma-sprinkled, drinker of sweet juice, Disposer, with my heart I bring a fair hymn forth.

15Into thy mouth is poured the offering, Agni, as Soma into cup, oil into ladle.
Vouchsafe us wealth, strength-winning, blest with heroes, wealth lofty, praised by men, and full of splendour.

1I Praise your Charioteer of sacrifice, the Lord of men, Priest of the tribes, refulgent, Guest of night.
Blazing amid dry plants, snatching amid the green, the Strong, the Holy Herald hath attained to heaven.

2Him, Agni, Gods and men have made their chief support, who drinks the fatness and completes the sacrifice.
With kisses they caress the Grandson of the Red, like the swift ray of light, the Household Priest of Dawn.

3Yea, we discriminate his and the niggard’s ways: his branches evermore are sent forth to consume.
When his terrific flames have reached the Immortal’s world, then men remember and extol the Heavenly Folk.

4For then the net of Law, Dyaus, and the wide expanse, Earth, Worship, and Devotion meet for highest praise,
Váruna, Indra, Mitra were of one accord, and Savitar and Bhaga, Lords of holy might.

5Onward, with ever-roaming Rudra, speed the floods: over Aramati the Mighty have they run.
With them Parijman, moving round his vast domain, loud bellowing, bedews all things that are within.

6Straightway the Rudras, Maruts visiting all men, Falcons of Dyaus, home-dwellers with the Asura, -
Váruna, Mitra, Aryaman look on with these, and the swift-moving Indra with swift-moving Gods.

7With Indra have they found enjoyment, they who toil, in the light’s beauty, in the very Strong One’s strength;
The singers who in men’s assemblies forged for him, according to his due, his friend the thunder-bolt.

8Even the Sun’s Bay Coursers hath he held in check: each one fears Indra as the mightiest of all.
Unhindered, from the air’s vault thunders day by day the loud triumphant breathing of the fearful Bull.

9With humble adoration show this day your song of praise to mighty Rudra, Ruler of the brave:
With whom, the Eager Ones, going their ordered course, he comes from heaven Self-bright, auspicious, strong to guard.

10For these have spread abroad the fame of human kind, the Bull Brhaspati and Soma’s brotherhood.
Atharvan first by sacrifices made men sure: through skill the Bhrgus were esteemed of all as Gods.

11For these, the Earth and Heaven with their abundant seed, four-bodied Narasmsa, Yama, Aditi,
God Tvastar Wealth-bestower, the Rbhuksanas, Rodasi, Maruts, Visnu, claim and merit praise.

12And may he too give ear, the Sage, from far away, the Dragon of the Deep, to this our yearning call.
Ye Sun and Moon who dwell in heaven and move in turn, and with your thought, O Earth and Sky, observe this well.

13Dear to all Gods, may Pasan guard the ways we go, the Waters’ child and Váyu help us to success.
Sing lauds for your great bliss to Wind, the breath of all: ye Asvins prompt to hear, hear this upon your way.

14With hymns of praise we sing him who is throned as Lord over these fearless tribes, the Self-resplendent One.
We praise Night’s youthful Lord benevolent to men, the foeless One, the free, with all celestial Dames.

15By reason of his birth here Angiras first sang: the pressing-stones upraised bebeld the sacrifice -
The stones through which the Sage became exceeding vast, and the sharp axe obtains in fight the beauteous place.

1Mighty are ye, and far-extended, Heaven and Earth: both Worlds are evermore to us like two young Dames.
Guard us thereby from stronger foe; guard us hereby to give us strength.

2In each succeeding sacrifice that mortal honoureth the Gods,
He who, most widely known and famed for happiness, invitetb them.

3Ye who are Rulers over all, great is your sovran power as Gods.
Ye all possess all majesty: all must be served in sacrifice.

4These are the joyous Kings of Immortality, Parijman, Mitra, Aryaman, and Váruna.
What else is Rudra, praised of men? the Maruts, Bhaga, Pusana?

5Come also to our dwelling, Lords of ample wealth, common partakers of our waters, Sun and Moon,
When the great Dragon of the Deep hath settled down upon their floors.

6And let the Asvins, Lords of splendour, set us free,- both Gods, and, with their Laws, Mitra and Váruna.
Through woes, as over desert lands, he speeds to ample opulence.

7Yea, let the Asvins Twain he gracious unto us, even Rudras, and all Gods, Bhaga, Rathaspati;
Parijman, Rbhu, Vaja, O Lords of all wealth Rbhuksanas.

8Prompt is Rbhuksan, prompt the worshipper’s strong drink: may thy fleet Bay Steeds, thine who speedest on, approach.
Not mans but God’s is sacrifice whose psalm is unassailable.

9O God Savitar, harmed by none, lauded, give us a place among wealthy princes.
With his Car-steeds at once hath our Indra guided the reins and the car of these men.

10To these men present here, O Heaven and Earth, to us grant lofty fame extending over all mankind.
Give us a steed to win us strength, a steed with wealth for victory.

11This speaker, Indra - for thou art our Friend - wherever he may be, guard thou, Victor! for help, ever for help
Thy wisdom, Vasu! prosper him.

12So have they strengthened this mine hymn which seems to take its bright path to the Sun, and reconciles the men:
Thus forms a carpenter the yoke of horses, not to be displaced.

13Whose chariot-seat hath come again laden with wealth and bright with gold,
Lightly, with piercing ends, as ’twere two ranks of heroes ranged for fight.

14This to Duhsima Prthavana have I sung, to Vena, Rama, to the nobles, and the King.
They yoked five hundred, and their love of us was famed upon their way.

15Besides, they showed us seven-and-seventy horses here.
Tanva at once displayed his gift, Parthya at once displayed his gift; and straightway Mayava showed his.

1Let these speak loudly forth; let us speak out aloud: to the loud speaking Pressing-stones address the speech;
When, rich with Soma juice, Stones of the mountain, ye, united, swift to Indra bring the sound of praise.

2They speak out like a hundred, like a thousand men: they cry aloud to us with their green-tinted mouths,
While, pious Stones, they ply their task with piety, and, even before the Hotar, taste the offered food.

3Loudly they speak, for they have found th savoury meath: they make a humming sound over the meat prepared.
As they devour the branch of the Red-coloured Tree, these, the well-pastured Bulls, have uttered bellowings.

4They cry aloud, with strong exhilarating drink, calling on Indra now, for they have found the meath.
Bold, with the sisters they have danced, embraced by them, making the earth re-echo with their ringing sound.

5The Eagles have sent forth their cry aloft in heaven; in the sky’s vault the dark impetuous ones have danced.
Then downward to the nether stone’s fixt place they sink, and, splendid as the Sun, effuse their copious stream.

6Like strong ones drawing, they have put forth all their strength: the Bulls, harnessed together, bear the chariot-poles.
When they have bellowed, panting, swallowing their food, the sound of their loud snorting is like that of steeds.

7To these who have ten workers and a tenfold girth, to these who have ten yoke-straps and ten binding thongs,
To these who bear ten reins, the eternal, sing ye praise, to these who bear ten car-poles, ten when they are yoked.

8These Stones with ten conductors, rapid in their course, with lovely revolution travel round and round.
They have been first to drink the flowing Soma juice, first to enjoy the milky fluid of the stalk.

9These Soma-eaters kiss Indra’s Bay-coloured Steeds: draining. the stalk they sit upon the ox’s hide.
Indra, when he hath drunk Soma-nicath drawn by them, waxes in strength, is famed, is mighty as a Bull

10Strong is your stalk; ye, verily, never shall be harmed; ye have refreshment, ye are ever satisfied.
Fair are ye, as it were, through splendour of his wealth, his in whose sacrifice, O Stones, ye find delight.

11Bored deep, but not pierced through with holes, are ye, O Stones, not loosened, never weary, and exempt from death,
Eternal, undiseased, moving in sundry ways, unthirsting, full of fatness, void of all desire.

12Your fathers, verily, stand firm from age to age: they, loving rest, are not dissevered from their seat.
Untouched by time, ne’er lacking green plants and green trees, they with their voice have caused the heavens and earth to hear.

13This, this the Stones proclaim, what time they are disjoined, and when with ringing sounds they move and drink the balm.
Like tillers of the ground when they are sowing seed, they mix the Soma, nor, devouring, minish it.

14They have raised high their voice for juice, for sacrifice, striking the Mother earth as though they danced thereon.
So loose thou too his thought who hath effused the sap, and let the Stones which we are honouring be disjoined.

1Ho there, my consort! Stay, thou fierce-souled lady, and let us reason for a while together.
Such thoughts as these of ours, while yet unspoken in days gone by have never brought us comfort.

2What am I now to do with this thy saying? I have gone from thee like the first of Mornings.
Pururavas, return thou to thy dwelling: I, like the wind, am difficult to capture.

3Like a shaft sent for glory from the quiver, or swift-steed winning cattle winning hundreds.
The lightning seemed to flash, as cowards planned it. The minstrels bleated like a lamb in trouble.

4Giving her husband’s father life and riches, from the near dwelling, when her lover craved her,
She sought the home wherein she found her pleasure, accepting day and night her lord’s embraces.

5Thrice in the day didst thou embrace thy consort, though coldly she received thy fond caresses.
To thy desires, Pururavas, I yielded: so wast thou king, O hero, of my body.

6The maids Sujirni, Sreni, Sumne-api, Charanyu, Granthini, and Hradecaksus, -
These like red kine have hastened forth, the bright ones, and like milch-cows have lowed in emulation.

7While he was born the Dames sate down together, the Rivers with free kindness gave him nurture;
And then, Pururavas, the Gods increased thee for mighty battle, to destroy the Dasyus.

8When I, a mortal, wooed to mine embraces these heavenly nymphs who laid aside their raiment,
Like a scared snake they fled from me in terror, like chariot horses when the car has touched them.

9When, loving these Immortal Ones, the mortal hath converse with the nymphs as they allow him.
Like swans they show the beauty of their bodies, like horses in their play they bite and nibble.

10She who flashed brilliant as the falling lightning brought me delicious presents from the waters.
Now from the flood be born a strong young hero May Uruvasi prolong her life for ever.

11Thy birth hath made me drink from earthly milch-kine: this power, Pururavas, hast thou vouchsafed me.
I knew, and, warned thee, on that day. Thou wouldst not hear me. What sayest thou, when naught avails thee?

12When will the son be born and seek his father? Mourner-like, will he weep when first he knows him?
Who shall divide the accordant wife and husband, while fire is shining with thy consort’s parents?

13I will console him when his tears are falling: he shall not weep and cry for care that blesses.
That which is thine, between us, will I send thee. Go home again, thou fool; thou hast not won me.

14Thy lover shall flee forth this day for ever, to seek, without return, the farthest distance.
Then let his bed be in Destruction’s bosom, and there let fierce rapacious wolves devour him.

15Nay, do not die, Pururavas, nor vanish: let not the evil-omened wolves devour thee.
With women there can be no lasting friendship: hearts of hyenas are the hearts of women.

16When amid men in altered shape I sojourned, and through four autumns spent the nights among them,
I tasted once a day a drop of butter; and even now with that am I contented.

17I, her best love, call Urvasi to meet me, her who fills air and measures out the region.
Let the gift brought by piety approach thee. Turn thou to me again: my heart is troubled.

18Thus speak these Gods to thee, O son of Ila: As death hath verily got thee for his subject,
Thy sons shall serve the Gods with their oblation, and thou, moreover, shalt rejoice in Svarga.

1In the great synod will I laud thy two Bay Steeds: I prize the sweet strong drink of thee the Warrior-God,
His who pours lovely oil as ’twere with yellow drops. Let my songs enter thee whose form hath golden tints.

2Ye who in concert sing unto the gold-hued place, like Bay Steeds driving onward to the heavenly seat,
For Indra laud ye strength allied with Tawny Steeds, laud him whom cows content as ’twere with yellow drops.

3His is that thunder-bolt, of iron, golden-hued, gold-coloured, very dear, and yellow in his arms;
Bright with strong teeth, destroying with its tawny rage. In Indra are set fast all forms of golden hue.

4As if a lovely ray were laid upon the sky, the golden thunder-bolt spread out as in a race.
That iron bolt with yellow jaw smote Ahi down. A thousand flames had he who bore the tawny-hued

5Thou, thou, when praised by men who sacrificed of old. hadst pleasure in their lauds, O Indra golden-haired.
All that befits thy song of praise thou welcornest, the perfect pleasant gift, O Golden-hued from birth.

6These two dear Bays bring hither Indra on his car, Thunder-armed, joyous, meet for laud, to drink his fill.
Many libations flow for him who loveth them: to Indra have the gold-hued Soma juices run.

7The gold-hued drops have flowed to gratify his wish: the yellow dro s have urged the swift Bays to the Strong.
He who speeds on with Bay Steeds even as he lists hath satisfied his longing for the golden drops.

8At the swift draught the Soma-drinker waxed in might, the Iron One with yellow beard and yellow hair.
He, Lord of Tawny Coursers, Lord of fleet-foot Mares, will bear his Bay Steeds safely over all distress.

9His yellow-coloured jaws, like ladles move apart, what time, for strength, he makes the yellow-tinted stir,
When, while the bowl stands there, he grooms his Tawny Steeds, when he hath drunk strong drink, the sweet juice that he loves.

10Yea, to the Dear One’s seat in homes of heaven and earth the Bay Steeds’ Lord hath whinnied like a horse for food.
Then the great wish hath seized upon him mightily, and the Beloved One hath gained high power of life,

11Thou, comprehending with thy might the earth and heaven, acceptest the dear hymn for ever new and new.
O Asura, disclose thou and make visible the Cow’s beloved home to the bright golden Sun.

12O Indra, let the eager wishes of the folk bring thee, delightful, golden-visored, on thy car,
That, pleased with sacrifice wherein ten fingers toil, thou mayest, at the feast, drink of our offered meath.

13Juices aforetime, Lord of Bays, thou drankest; and thine especially is this libation.
Gladden thee, Indra, with the meath-rich Soma: pour it down ever, Mighty One! within thee.

1Herbs that sprang up in time of old, three ages earlier than the Gods, -
Of these, whose hue is brown, will I declare the hundred powers and seven.

2Ye, Mothers, have a hundred homes, yea, and a thousand are your growths.
Do ye who have a thousand powers free this my patient from disease.

3Be glad and joyful in the Plants, both blossoming and bearing fruit,
Plants that will lead us to success like mares who conquer in the race.

4Plants, by this name I speak to you, Mothers, to you the Goddesses:
Steed, cow, and garment may I win, win back thy very self, O man.

5The Holy Fig tree is your home, your mansion is the Parna tree:
Winners of cattle shali ye be if ye regain for me this man.

6He who hath store of Herbs at hand like Kings amid a crowd of men, -
Physician is that sage’s name, fiend-slayer, chaser of disease.

7Herbs rich in Soma, rich in steeds, in nourishments, in strengthening power, -
All these have I provided here, that this man may be whole again.

8The healing virtues of the Plants stream forth like cattle from the stall, -
Plants that shall win me store of wealth, and save thy vital breath, O man.

9Reliever is your mother’s name, and hence Restorers are ye called.
Rivers are ye with wings that fly: keep far whatever brings disease.

10Over all fences have they passed, as steals a thief into the fold.
The Plants have driven from the frame whatever malady was there.

11When, bringing back the vanished strength, I hold these herbs within my hand,
The spirit of disease departs ere he can seize upon the life.

12He through whose frame, O Plants, ye creep member by member, joint by joint, -
From him ye drive away disease like some strong arbiter of strife.

13Fly, Spirit of Disease, begone, with the blue jay and kingfisher.
Fly with the wind’s impetuousspeed, vanish together with the storm.

14Help every one the other, lend assistance each of you to each,
All of you be accordant, give furtherance to this speech of mine.

15Let fruitful Plants, and fruitless, those that blossom, and the blossomless,
Urged onward by Brhaspati, release us from our pain and grief;

16Release me from the curse’s plague and woe that comes from Váruna;
Free me from Yama’s fetter, from sin and offence against the Gods.

17What time, descending from the sky, the Plants flew earthward, thus they spake:
No evil shall befall the man whom while he liveth we pervade,

18Of all the many Plants whose King is Soma, Plants of hundred forms,
Thou art the Plant most excellent, prompt to the wish, sweet to the heart.

19O all ye various Herbs whose King is Soma, that o’erspread the earth,
Urged onward by Brhaspati, combine your virtue in this Plant.

20Unharmed be he who digs you up, unharmed the man for whom I dig:
And let no malady attack biped or quadruped of ours.

21All Plants that hear this speech, and those that have departed far away,
Come all assembled and confer your healing power upon this Herb.

22With Soma as their Sovran Lord the Plants hold colloquy and say:
O King, we save from death the man whose cure a Bráhman undertakes.

23Most excellent of all art thou, O Plant thy vassals are the trees.
Let him be subject to our power, the man who seeks to injure us.

1Come, be thou Mitra, Váruna, or Pusan, come, O Brhaspati, to mine oblation:
With Maruts, Vasus, or Ádityas, make thou Parjanya pour for Santanu his rain-drops.

2The God, intelligent, the speedy envoy whom thou hast sent hath come to me, Devapi:
Address thyself to me and turn thee hither within thy lips will I put brilliant language.

3Within my mouth, Brhaspati, deposit speech lucid, vigorous, and free from weakness,
Thereby to win for Santanu the rain-fall. The meath-rich drop from heaven hath passed within it.

4Let the sweet drops descend on us, O Indra: give us enough to lade a thousand wagons.
Sit to thy Hotar task; pay worship duly, and serve the Gods, Devapi, with oblation.

5Knowing the God’s good-will, Devapi, Rsi, the son of Rstisena, sate as Hotar.
He hath brought down from heaven’s most lofty summit the ocean of the rain, celestial waters.

6Gathered together in that highest ocean, the waters stood by deities obstructed.
They hurried down set free by Arstisena, in gaping clefts, urged onward by Devapi.

7When as chief priest for Santanu, Devapi, chosen for Hotar’s duty, prayed beseeching,
Graciously pleased Brhaspati vouchsafed him a voice that reached the Gods and won the waters.

8O Agni whom Devapi Arstisena, the mortal man, hath kindled in his glory,
Joying in him with all the Gods together, urge on the sender of the rain, Parjanya.

9All ancient Rsis with their songs approached thee, even thee, O Much-invoked, at sacrifices.
We have provided wagon-loads in thousands: come to the solemn rite, Lord of Red Horses.

10The wagon-loads, the nine-and-ninety thousand, these have been offered up to thee, O Agni.
Hero, with these increase thy many bodies, and, stimulated, send us rain from heaven.